Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: Findings from a preliminary study
Silvia R. Hepburn, Catherine Crane, Thorsten Barnhofer, Danielle S. Duggan, Melanie Fennell, J. Mark G. Williams
British Journal of Clinical Psychology March 2, 2009 DOI: 10.1348/014466509x414970 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may reduce thought suppression in people with a history of depression and suicidality, but effects depend on how thought suppression is measured. In a randomized controlled trial, 68 participants were assigned to MBCT or a waitlist control. MBCT did not reduce thought suppression on the White Bear Suppression Inventory, but it did significantly reduce self-reported attempts to suppress thoughts in the previous week. The findings provide preliminary evidence that MBCT for suicidality could lessen thought suppression, though different measures yield different results and further research is needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 68 |
| Population | Individuals with past depression and suicidality |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Thought suppression Psychotherapist Cognition Randomized controlled trial |
| Citations | 74 |
| Key finding | MBCT did not reduce thought suppression on the White Bear Suppression Inventory but significantly reduced self-reported attempts to suppress in the previous week. |
Abstract
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.