title: The effects of acceptance versus thought suppression for dealing with the intrusiveness of tinnitus.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acceptance versus suppression of disruptions on a mental imagery task in a sample of tinnitus patients. Previous research has indicated that acceptance can be an effective strategy for dealing with unpleasant experiences such as pain and anxiety. The study used a between-group design, including 47 participants who completed a task involving mental imagery in a sound-proof booth. Participants were randomly assigned to three instruction conditions: acceptance, suppression, or a control condition. The results showed a significant difference between the acceptance group and the control group in that participants in the acceptance group were able to focus on the imagery task for a longer time without being interrupted. The study provides preliminary support for the notion that acceptance can be a helpful strategy for tinnitus patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Vendela
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Westin
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ostergren
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome