White bears and other unwanted thoughts : suppression, obsession, and the psychology of mental control / Daniel M. Wegner.

  • Wegner, Daniel M., 1948-
Date:
1994
  • Books

About this work

Description

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--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.

Publication/Creation

New York : The Guilford Press, 1994.

Physical description

xvi, 207 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm

Notes

Originally published: New York : Viking, 1989.

Bibliographic information

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents

Mental control -- Wellsprings of suppression -- The mental apparatus -- Self-distraction -- The remote control of thinking -- The will to disbelieve -- Mood control -- Exciting thoughts -- Synthetic obsession.

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatus
    Medical Collection
    WM172.4 1994W41w
    Open shelves

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Identifiers

ISBN

  • 0898622239
  • 9780898622232