How do thought suppression attempts impact upon beliefs about uncontrollability of worry

McLean, Andrew (2006) How do thought suppression attempts impact upon beliefs about uncontrollability of worry. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

According to Wells' metacognitive model of Generalised Anxiety Disorder, GAD patients attempt to suppress intrusions that trigger worry. Wells postulates that these attempts are rarely effective and may, in fact, increase the frequency of worry triggers. These apparent failures are interpreted as evidence for loss of mental control, thereby exacerbating beliefs about the uncontrollability of worry. The current study tested these predictions. Sixty-two high worriers completed a naturalistic experiment comprising two sessions separated by an experimental week. In Session 1, participants recorded their beliefs about worry in general, including its uncontrollability. They then selected a current worry and recorded how often it came to mind over the following week. The Suppression group (N=32) suppressed their chosen worry during the week. The Mention group (N=30) simply monitored its occurrence. In Session 2, measures completed at Session 1 were repeated. Contrary to prediction, the Suppression group reported a significant improvement in the controllability of their worrying in general. No shift was demonstrated by the Mention group. In addition, relative to the Mention group, the Suppression group reported more success at suppressing their chosen worries, spent less time thinking about them, and found them to be more controllable and less distressing. Findings are discussed within the context of Wells' model.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: Niall Broomfield
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Date of Award: 2006
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2006-74240
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2019 15:33
• Last Modified: 23 Sep 2019 15:33
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/74240