The relationship between thought suppression and retrieval-induced forgetting: an analysis of witness memories

Cogn Process. 2015 Feb;16(1):35-44. doi: 10.1007/s10339-014-0626-0. Epub 2014 Jul 27.

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to examine the relationship between individual differences in thought suppression and retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) in witness-like situations. We predicted that people who are more prone to suppress undesired thoughts and memories would demonstrate a stronger RIF effect. Consistent with findings obtained in a US sample (Blumberg in Personal Individ Differ 29:943-950, 2000), results of a preliminary study (Study 1) confirmed the three-factor structure of the white bear suppression inventory (WBSI): the tendency to rely on thought suppression (suppression dimension), the frequency of experiencing intrusive thoughts (intrusion dimension), and the frequency of using self-distraction to avoid undesired thoughts (self-distraction dimension). Consistent with our hypotheses, Study 2 found that only the suppression sub-dimension of the WBSI was positively and significantly related to RIF. Theoretical expectations of these findings and implications for witness research are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / etiology*
  • Mental Recall / physiology*
  • Repression, Psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thinking / physiology*
  • Young Adult