> Another risk that is not generally discussed is that the mindful techniques used to alter thought patterns or suppress thoughts can backfire in a huge number of different ways. Suppressing negative thoughts can just as easily unintentionally suppress coping mechanism, amongst other things.
What's the link between mindfulness and suppression of thought? Mindfulness is a specific state of awareness. Mindfulness techniques promote this state of awareness.
I'm not aware of any mindfulness techniques that promote the suppression of thought, and if I was I'd say they were misnamed.
It’s a central part of “Mindful Based Cognitive Therapy”. They call it “releasing” though, not suppressing (perhaps that word isn’t new age enough?...)
You’re just arguing semantics my dude. For a fully peer reviewed description, read the paper I linked. It describes the dangers of one of the core MBCT practices.
Misusing common words isn't a good sign for any argument. To allow something to arise, whether it be a thought or anything else, is not suppression. To note it is not suppression. To not focus on something or not return to it is also, not suppression. There is no act or mechanism of suppression or inhibition.
I read the paper before I commented, and one of the cited ones from it that mentioned suppression. The talk about active inhibition. For example, from the paper you linked:
> Despite these efforts, unwanted thoughts sometimes per- sist. People can try to ignore these thoughts, negate them, sup- press them, correct for them, or think about something else, but unfortunately, these mental activities can be difficult to implement and do not always work in the intended ways (Wegner & Erber, 1992). For example, attempts to negate or suppress stereotypes and prejudice can backfire and produce an increase in unwanted thoughts (e.g., Gawronski, Deutsch, Mbirkou, Seibt, & Strack, 2008; Macrae, Bodenhausen, Milne, & Wheeler, 1996; Monteith, Sherman, & Devine, 1998). Also, attempts at correction for unwanted thoughts can lead to
biases in the opposite direction (e.g., Martin, 1986; Schwarz & Bless, 1992; Strack & Mussweiler, 2001; Wegener & Petty, 1997; Wilson & Brekke, 1994).
None of that, regardless of whatever semantic distortions you put on it, is allowing something to arise and simply noting it. That is the process of mindfulness. That is not:
- to ignore
- to correct
- to suppress
- to think about something else
So it's not a semantic argument at all.
Please, try not to call me "dude". Suppress the impulse if that makes more sense to you.
What's the link between mindfulness and suppression of thought? Mindfulness is a specific state of awareness. Mindfulness techniques promote this state of awareness.
I'm not aware of any mindfulness techniques that promote the suppression of thought, and if I was I'd say they were misnamed.