Attributions for Thought Suppression Failure in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Cognitive–behavioral models of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) posit that OCD is mediated, in part, by the paradoxical effects of thought suppression. This theory is based largely on research using nonclinical participants indicating that attempting to suppress thoughts may cause a paradoxical increase in the frequency of that thought. Previous research using OCD patients (OCs) suggests that OCs are more likely than non-OCs to rely on thought suppression, and that they show a greater paradoxical effect than do non-OCs. It is also possible that OCs react more negatively toward thought suppression failure than do non-OCs. In this study, OCs, nonanxious controls (NACs), and anxious controls (ACs) were asked to suppress thoughts of a white bear. Thirty-six participants who reported at least 1 “suppressed” thought during the suppression period were assessed for change in their emotions, as well as for their beliefs about why they were unable to completely suppress the thought. OCs, NACs, and ACs did not differ in their immediate emotional reaction to thought suppression failure. However, OCs reported greater belief in internal, negative attributions of their suppression failure (e.g., “I am mentally weak”) than did NACs. Results are discussed in terms of current cognitive–behavioral models and interventions for OCD.