Thought-Stopping

Description of the Strategy

Thought-stopping (TS) was a technique employed by behavior therapists from the 1950s until the 1980s. It was designed to decrease the frequency of unwanted thoughts. It was assumed or hoped that TS would also [Page 591]decrease the ensuing distress or anxiety associated with the thoughts. Although TS was, and to a small extent still is, a common tool in the behavioral therapy toolkit, there is little sound empirical evidence to support its use. Many case studies and case series describe TS as a helpful technique when implemented as the sole intervention technique or as part of a typical cognitive or behavioral treatment package.

Bain introduced TS under the presupposition that thought control is an important aspect of positive mental ...