Thought control in daily working life: How the ability to stop thoughts protects self-esteem

Abstract

Dealing with unwanted thoughts is a recurrent phenomenon in everyday life. The present study focuses on intrusive thoughts in the work context and examines the protective function of thought control for self-esteem. Possible mediators (negative affect, task focus) and individual differences in the ability to control unwanted thoughts are also considered. We assessed 143 employees' individual ability to suppress thoughts using the think/no-think paradigm, followed by a five-day experience sampling study in the work context. Multilevel analyses showed that individuals with lower suppression abilities experienced higher negative affect and lower self-esteem when they tried to suppress intrusive thoughts, whereas individuals with higher suppression abilities did not. The findings reveal the protective nature of thought suppression abilities, but also highlight possible detrimental aspects of unsuccessfully engaging in thought control. The results provide a basis for recommendations to individuals on dealing with intrusive thoughts.