The generalizability of thought suppression ability to novel stimuli

The present study examined in a nonclinical sample whether ability to suppress autobiographical negative memories generalized to successful suppression of novel scenarios of negative valence (armed hold-up) or neutral valence (white bear). Fifty-nine participants were assessed for thought suppression ability, and 35 were identified as ‘good’ or ‘poor’ suppressors. Potential correlates of thought suppression ability were measured, including estimates of cognitive ability, previous traumatic experiences, and mood states. Good suppressors were more successful in not thinking of target scenarios when instructed to suppress than poor suppressors, and this was independent of valence of the to-be-suppressed scenario. Contrary to predictions, the two groups did not differ on measures hypothesized to influence suppression ability, but within group correlations indicated tentative support for mood states and prior trauma being related to autobiographical intrusions. The implications for understanding intrusive cognition in clinical disorders are discussed.