White Bears and Other Unwanted Thoughts Suppression, Obsession, and the Psychology of Mental Control

In a series of experiments, Daniel M. Wegner told subjects not to think about white bears. Of course, they found it impossible to avoid thinking of the bears\m-\just as it often seems impossible to stop thinking about forbidden foods, a social blunder, or a lost love. Drawing on theories of William James, Freud, and Dewey, as well as on studies in mood control, cognitive therapy, and artificial intelligence, this enlightening book explores the reasons unwanted, embarrassing, or frightening notions are so irresistible. NOTE: NOT A PAPER ORIGINAL

Daniel M. Wegner is Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia. He has published books on how people attempt to control their minds and actions, as well as on how people perceive themselves and others, and is author of some 60 research articles in professional journals. He has served as a committee member for the National Research Council, and his research on thought suppression and mental control has been funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Preface (1994)
Preface
1. Mental Control
2. Wellsprings of Suppression
3. The Mental Apparatus
4. Self-Distraction
5. The Remote Control of Thinking
6. The Will to Disbelieve
7. Mood Control
8. Exciting Thoughts
9. Synthetic Obsession
Notes
Index