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.
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SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
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.