Neural correlates of thought suppression.
The present report used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural correlates of thought suppression. Subjects were imaged while alternately (i) attempting to suppress a particular thought, (ii) attempting to suppress all thoughts, or (iii) thinking freely about any thought. Suppression of a particular thought, when compared to the free-thought control condition, revealed greater activation in the anterior cingulate. When the task of suppressing all conscious thoughts was compared to free-thought, a more distributed network of brain regions, including the anterior cingulate and the insula, was activated. These findings are consistent with previous research on cognitive control and may provide potential insights into psychological disorders involving recurring, intrusive thoughts.
Wyland
Carrie L
CL
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 6207 Moore Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA. wyland@dartmouth.edu
Kelley
William M
WM
Macrae
C Neil
CN
Gordon
Heather L
HL
Heatherton
Todd F
TF
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012094:Repression, Psychology; D013850:Thinking / Q000502:physiology*