Why can’t I stop thinking when I try not to?
· Source: Wegner, Schneider, Carter & White, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1987
In 1987, students sat alone in a room with a tape recorder. For five minutes, they said out loud whatever came into their heads. Then came one rule: don't think of a white bear. If you do, ring the bell. The bell kept ringing. More than once a minute. Later, when they were allowed to think about it, the bear came back even more. But one group had a plan: if the bear shows up, think of a red Volkswagen instead. Their rebound was smaller. So don't chase a thought away. Say it whole, then turn to something specific.