Abstract
Objective: Thought suppression frequently results in subsequent hyperaccessibility of the suppressed thoughts. This study investigated whether this effect transfers to behavior. Does suppressing thoughts result in a subsequent increase in the performance of behaviors related to those thoughts? Method: Twenty chocolate cravers and 22 noncravers were instructed to suppress chocolate-related thoughts in an articulated thoughts task or they were given no specific instructions. Participants then completed a computer-based task which yielded chocolate rewards. Results: Both cravers and noncravers could suppress chocolate-related thoughts when instructed to do so. Both groups of participants showed greater performance, and hence earned more chocolate, in the suppression than control condition (p < .05). Discussion: Behavioral control may follow many of the same ironic pathways traced by mental control.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 21-27 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | International Journal of Eating Disorders |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 1999 |
| Externally published | Yes |
