Suppressing Negative Thoughts Could be Good for Your Mental Health, Study Suggests

Recent studies have shed new light on the controversial realm of mental health treatment. Typically, in psychotherapeutic practices, it’s often encouraged for patients to face their negative thoughts head-on. However, a recent study unveils a contradictory perspective: burying negative thoughts could actually be beneficial to our mental health.

Delving Deeper into The Study

A group of cognitive psychologists conducted research, sponsored by the “ World Health Organisation,” across diverse backgrounds and ages. The researchers suggested that “strong suppression,” or the conscious decision to bury negative thoughts, might help an individual manage their mental health better.

The study aimed to probe the immediate and long-term effects of ‘strong suppression’ and ‘reappraisal’ methods. ‘Reappraisal’ refers to the cognitive approach in which individuals reinterpret negative scenarios or thoughts, in an attempt, to change emotional responses or feelings. The experiment design included both the short-term and long-term impacts of these methods for complete analysis.

Contrary to popular therapeutic approaches, the results suggested that the ‘strong suppression’ of negative thoughts resulted in fewer occurrences of these intrusive thoughts in the long run. The researchers’ hypothesis was based on the theory that a robust and purposeful endeavour to suppress negative thoughts results in a ‘rebound effect.’ This surprising effect could stem from an increased awareness and regulation of one’s thought patterns.

Alternatively, participants who employed the ‘reappraisal’ method reported slightly better short-term mental health benefits, but it appeared they were more prone to negative recurrences over a longer period.

Implications for Mental Health Treatment

This pioneering study positively challenges the notion of ‘challenging negative thoughts’ that dominate the world of therapy. It proposes, in essence, that sometimes by refusing to engage with negative thoughts, individuals might be able to dismiss them more effectively.

It’s important to clarify that the ‘suppression’ approach isn’t about ignoring problems or avoiding issues. It’s a mechanism to control one’s mind from dwelling on negative thoughts or feelings. Essentially, it’s about taking control of the narrative inside our minds.

However, experts also caution that these new findings don’t undermine the effectiveness of existing therapeutic practices. What works best can vary significantly from person to person based on their unique psychological make-up. The idea, instead, is to broaden the horizons of mental health treatment, offering more strategies that people can use to combat poor mental health.

Despite being met with optimism, these research findings have also stirred a healthy debate in the scientific community. Critics argue that suppressing negative thoughts could lead to psychological repression and later manifest as more significant mental health issues.

Thus, more studies are required to understand the nuances and impacts of the suppression approach. As with all research, there’s an opportunity for refinement, debate, and further testing before these methods could become widely recognised or accepted by the broader therapeutic community.

The study explores how suppression may play a crucial role in managing our mental health, perpetuating the shift in how we approach mental health therapies. It potentially broadens our arsenal of tools for facing mental health challenges. However, it’s vital for modern cognitive psychologists and therapists to continue the rigorous examination and scrutiny of these novel findings to confirm their overall effectiveness.

Originally published at https://www.headstohealth.org.uk on October 20, 2023.