Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: findings from a preliminary study.

Journal article

OBJECTIVES: Thought suppression is a strategy aimed at mental control that may paradoxically increase the frequency of unwanted thoughts. This preliminary study examined effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on thought suppression and depression in individuals with past depression and suicidality. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial design, 68 participants were allocated to an MBCT group or a treatment-as-usual waitlist control. Measures of thought suppression and depression were taken pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: MBCT did not reduce thought suppression as measured by the White Bear Suppression Inventory, but significantly reduced self-reported attempts to suppress in the previous week. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that MBCT for suicidality may reduce thought suppression, but differential effects on thought suppression measures warrant further studies.

Authors: Hepburn, SR; Crane, C; Barnhofer, T; Duggan, D; Fennell, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of clinical psychology / the British Psychological Society
• Volume: 48
• Issue: Pt 2
• Pages: 209-215
• Publication date: 2009-06-01
• DOI: 10.1348/014466509x414970
• ISSN: 0144-6657
• Language: English
• Keywords: Awareness; Psychotherapy, Group; Waiting Lists; Aged; Cognitive Therapy; Recurrence; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Middle Aged; Suicide; Personality Inventory; Male; Adult; Humans; Research Design; Meditation; Female; Depressive Disorder