Abstract
Recurrent intrusive thoughts are apparent across numerous clinical disorders, including depression (i.e., rumination) and
anxiety disorders (e.g., worry, obsessions; Brewin et al. 2010). Theoretical accounts of intrusive thoughts suggest that individual differences in executive functioning, specifically poor
inhibitory control, may account for the persistence of these thoughts in some individuals (e.g., Anderson and Levy 2009). The present study examined the causal effect of inhibitory control on intrusive thoughts by experimentally manipulating
inhibition requirements in a working memory capacity (WMC) task and evaluating the effect of this training on intrusive thoughts
during a thought suppression task. Unselected undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to repeatedly practice a task
requiring either high inhibitory control (training condition) or low inhibitory control (control condition). Results indicated
that individuals in the training condition demonstrated significantly greater WMC performance improvements from pre to post
assessment relative to the control group. Moreover, individuals in the training group experienced fewer intrusions during
a thought suppression task. These results provide support for theoretical accounts positing a relationship between inhibitory
control and intrusive thoughts. Moreover, improving inhibitory control through computerized training programs may have clinical
utility in disorders characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (e.g., depression, PTSD).
anxiety disorders (e.g., worry, obsessions; Brewin et al. 2010). Theoretical accounts of intrusive thoughts suggest that individual differences in executive functioning, specifically poor
inhibitory control, may account for the persistence of these thoughts in some individuals (e.g., Anderson and Levy 2009). The present study examined the causal effect of inhibitory control on intrusive thoughts by experimentally manipulating
inhibition requirements in a working memory capacity (WMC) task and evaluating the effect of this training on intrusive thoughts
during a thought suppression task. Unselected undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to repeatedly practice a task
requiring either high inhibitory control (training condition) or low inhibitory control (control condition). Results indicated
that individuals in the training condition demonstrated significantly greater WMC performance improvements from pre to post
assessment relative to the control group. Moreover, individuals in the training group experienced fewer intrusions during
a thought suppression task. These results provide support for theoretical accounts positing a relationship between inhibitory
control and intrusive thoughts. Moreover, improving inhibitory control through computerized training programs may have clinical
utility in disorders characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (e.g., depression, PTSD).
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-011-9369-8
- Authors
- Jessica Bomyea, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 8939 Villa Jolla Dr. Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
- Nader Amir, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916