Cognitive defusion versus thought distraction in the mitigation of learned helplessness

Hooper, Nic; McHugh, Louise

Abstract

Recent research suggests that attempting to avoid unwanted psychological
events is maladaptive. Contrastingly, cognitive defusion, which is an
acceptance-based method for managing unwanted thoughts, may provide a
plausible alternative. The current study was designed to compare defusion and
experiential avoidance as strategies for coping with unwanted thoughts during
a learned helplessness preparation. Before entering the learned helplessness
preparation, participants were provided with 1 of 3 instructions: defusion,
experiential avoidance (via a thought distraction instruction), or control
(i.e., no instruction). Directly after the learned helplessness preparation,
participants were instructed to attempt a pen-and-paper maze task, where
their completion time was recorded. Results indicated that participants who
received the defusion instruction produced maze times that were significantly
shorter than the thought distraction and control groups. Results are discussed
in terms of the efficacy of defusion instructions in the management of unwanted
thoughts and the maladaptive nature of engaging in experiential avoidance.

Citation

Hooper, N., & McHugh, L. (2013). Cognitive defusion versus thought distraction in the mitigation of learned helplessness. Psychological Record, 63(1), 209-217

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Journal: The Psychological Record
• Print ISSN: 0033-2933
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 209-217
• Keywords: defusion, avoidance, learned helplessness
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/938585
• Publisher URL: http://link.springer.com/journal/40732