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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression

Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression

Published on: May 19, 2015

An alternative to thought suppression?

¹Stony Brook University.

The American Psychologist

|September 12, 2012

Summary

Learn to manage unwanted thoughts using imagination and guided imagery instead of suppression. This approach offers an alternative to simply accepting intrusive thinking, promoting mental well-being.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Cognitive Science

Background:

D. M. Wegner's article "Setting free the bears: Escape from thought suppression" proposed learning to live with unwanted thoughts.
This perspective suggests that direct suppression of intrusive thoughts may be ineffective or counterproductive.

Purpose of the Study:

To offer an alternative strategy to thought suppression.
To explore the therapeutic potential of imagination and guided imagery for managing difficult thoughts.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis and discussion of psychological literature.
Exploration of cognitive and imaginative processes.

Main Results:

Imagination and guided imagery present a viable alternative to conscious thought suppression.

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These techniques may facilitate a more adaptive relationship with intrusive or unwanted thoughts.

Conclusions:

Individuals can utilize imaginative techniques to reframe or redirect unwanted thoughts.
Guided imagery and imagination offer a constructive approach to managing intrusive thinking, moving beyond mere suppression.