However, the relationship between them is not necessarily a straightforward one.īoth clinical research and practice have shown that simply having these thoughts alone does not cause harm. So, yes it is true that having more negative thoughts tends to be associated with negative emotions. Research tends to find a relationship between the frequency of these types of thoughts with things such as sadness and anxiety. Again, the psychologists found that these student volunteers experienced a range of negative thoughts, such as “I’m worthless,” “I’m a failure,” and “I’m no good.”ĭoes having violent or negative thoughts affect your mental health? The answer to this question is interesting and requires some explanation. The researchers gave a large group of university students a list of thoughts that might have popped into their heads over the past week. In 1980, a different group of psychologists published a paper that described the development of a questionnaire called the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (a popular measure used today in research and practice). The impulse to violently attack or kill another person.The impulse to crash their car while driving.The impulse to harm, or be violent towards children.Thoughts of acts of violence while having sex.The impulse to jump in front of the train.Here are several examples from participants in that study: What is perhaps more interesting was the nature or content of these thoughts. ![]() The psychologists discovered that the majority of people admitted to having intrusive thoughts. students and professionals) whether they experience intrusive thoughts, and if so, what is the nature of these thoughts. In 1978, psychologists studying obsessive thinking asked a group of healthy and normal people (e.g. They are referred to as intrusive thoughts because they pop into people’s minds without their control. Psychologists have known for a long time that “normal” people experience all kinds of thoughts, images, and impulses - including those of violence and repugnant sexual acts. ![]() However, I bet there are readers who are thinking “Oh thank god, I am not the only one who experiences weird and random thoughts of violence.” ![]() There may be a few questions swirling around in your head at this point, such as “Why do you tell clients about your crazy thoughts?” or “Hey, should this guy have a license to work with the public?” It is a line that I often use with a number of clients seeking therapy - particularly clients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The above quote comes from me - a clinical psychologist! Sometimes, while waiting for the subway, I imagine someone getting pushed in front of the train.ĭoes this sound like someone with good mental health? A patient in need of medication or a good therapist?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |