Thought suppression and memory biases during and after depressive moods

Previous research indicates that formerly depressed individuals engage in high levels of thought suppression that can mask depressive cognitions. However, suppression may also ironically foster a vigilance for unwanted thoughts that promotes uncertainty about ambiguous information and distorts memory. The present study tested this possibility. Formerly dysphoric, currently dysphoric, and never-dysphoric participants listened to a series of statements describing life events that were positive, negative, or ambiguous. In a subsequent recognition phase, participants reviewed a series of statements and rated each for the likelihood that it had been presented earlier. The recognition list included positive and negative disambiguated versions of the original items. Compared to the never-dysphoric group, formerly dysphoric individuals were more likely to endorse negative disambiguations. As predicted, this bias was associated with higher levels of thought suppression and greater uncertainty about the meaning of ambiguous situations, suggesting an ongoing conflict between positive and negative thoughts.     

Factors delaying rehabilitation in inpatient treatment of schizophrenic patients

An empirical study involving 104 German and 208 Soviet schizophrenics showed that the main factors delaying rehabilitation are a large number of previous hospitalizations, long periods preceding hospitalization, the type of schizophrenia, the desired aim of treatment, disturbed relationship of he patient to his or her environment and performance disturbances. Apart from certain personality deviations, the therapeutic measures also involve factors that delay rehabilitation. The rehabilitation barriers mentioned here could be overcome by the more widespread establishment of follow-up care centres.