A Replication of the White Bear Experiment: Investigating the Moderating Effects of Working Memory Capacity in the Relationship Between Thought Suppression and Thought Rebound

Stefanova, Evelina (2025) A Replication of the White Bear Experiment: Investigating the Moderating Effects of Working Memory Capacity in the Relationship Between Thought Suppression and Thought Rebound. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Prior research suggests that attempts to suppress thoughts can lead to a paradoxical rebound effect, where the suppressed thought returns with greater intensity. This study aimed to replicate an experiment by Wenzlaff et al, (1991), in which the return of a prior suppressed thought aids the return of the associated mood state. It was further examined whether working memory capacity moderates the relationship between thought suppression and thought rebound. Data from N = 42 participants who completed the automated version of the Operation Span (OSPAN) task was used to measure working memory capacity. They also participated in a thought suppression task about a white whale, paired with either a negative or neutral initial mood induction. The frequency of white whale thoughts was recorded in two phases. Results indicated no significant differences in the number of thoughts between suppression and expression conditions, neither did mood induction have a significant effect. Furthermore, working memory capacity did not significantly predict the ability to suppress or a thought rebound effect. Contrary to previous findings, higher working memory capacity was associated with more white whale thoughts during initial suppression. Methodological limitations include a small sample size and mood induction effectiveness, amongst others. Future research may consider alternative suppression measures and mood induction techniques and explore individual differences in accomplishing executive functioning tasks.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Wessel, J.P.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	14 May 2025 13:06
Last Modified:	14 May 2025 13:06
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4883

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