Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may reduce thought suppression in previously suicidal participants: findings from a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Hepburn
Silvia R
SR
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. silvia.hepburn@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Crane
Catherine
C
Barnhofer
Thorsten
T
Duggan
Danielle S
DS
Fennell
Melanie J V
MJ
Williams
J Mark G
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists; D000092864:Suicide Prevention