The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Don't Think of the White Bear
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Oct 22, 2019 
Jamie Pennebaker, a psychology professor at UT Austin renowned for his research on emotional expression, joins the conversation about the challenges of suppressing unwanted thoughts. They delve into the ironic nature of thought suppression, sharing real-life experiences of overcoming disruptive memories. Pennebaker highlights the therapeutic benefits of expressing trauma, illustrating how vulnerability can lead to personal growth and emotional healing. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions for healthier relationships and overall well-being.
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Ironic Processes
- Trying to suppress thoughts, like a white bear, often backfires.
- This ironic process makes the thought more prominent.
Wegner's White Bear Experiment
- Harvard psychologist Dan Wegner's white bear experiment demonstrated ironic processes.
- Participants asked to suppress thoughts of a white bear thought about it frequently.
Yips in Golf
- The "yips" in golf exemplify ironic processes.
- Trying not to make a specific mistake increases the likelihood of making it.