Mental control Flashcards
ironic process theory
process that undermine intentional control of mental states are inherent in the exercise of such control. (attempts to influence mental states require monitoring processes that are sensitive to failure of attempts so act against intended control) - conscious monitoring leads to ironic effect
mental control arises
due to capacity to reflect on our own mental states and influence their operation
what dictates between successful and ironic
availability of metal capacity
two processes to get desired mental states
intentional operating process
ironic monitoring process
intentional operating process
searches for mental contents that will yield desired effects (activated by monitoring process)
ironic monitoring process
searches for mental contents that signal failure to achieve desired state
conscious difference between the two processes
operating - effortful and conscious
monitoring- unconscious and autonomous
conditions of irony
intention to control
controllability of mental states
balance of processes
range of searches (positive vs negative)
suppression paradigm
suppression phase- stream of consciousness either no think white bear or dm white bear. if think white bear hit bell
expression phase- stream of consciousness but not instructions. PSRE - don’t condition still think about bear more.
Common ironic effects
mood control
intentional relaxation
pain control (distraction vs attention) (short vs long)
sleep and wakefulness
intentional belief and disbelief
self-presentation
control of prejudice (sexism study)
movement
suppression vs repression
conscious vs unconscious
Ironic post-suppression rebound effect
after trying to supress thoughts actually end up thinking about it more
Communication inhibition study
heterosexual undergrads either told to pretend have relationship or secret relationship (via footsy game) rebound effect- those in secret rated other yoke partner as more attractive (Wegner et al)
emotional inhibition
Wegner et al suppression of emotion causes its to rebound later
Craving inhibition
dieters and smoker more likely to think if told supress
Distracter association theory
associations between environment and unwanted thoughts. after suppression environment trigger thoughts
X- change environment between suppression and expression rebound still happens
Goal interruption
Zeigarnik effect- martin active goal in mind fell motivation to achieve blocked goal.
gave feedback to ppts about how well supressed those with negative had more rebound effects.
X- not well replicated
memory
memory of intentions have privileged accent in the mind
cognitive load and though suppression study
Wegner and Erber- supress or concentrate on target word house. load time pressure of 3 secs cause way more rebound effect
stereotyping (sexism) and suppression and load
told not to be sexist and complete sentences under time pressure. those with higher load more sexist completions
stereotyping and suppression
give photo write about impressions. then told sit in same room as person and see where they sit. Those who told supress stereotype sat further away
thought suppression and psychopathy
ptsd- higher is try to supress
ocd- more prone to supress thoughts. high obsession correlates wiht poor supression
depression-
