Rebekah Cheng

04.04.2017
I. Purpose
a. The essential goal of this paper is to address the reality of id-like thoughts while
assuaging the common concern associated with the potential meaning behind these lapses
in cognition and morale. Ultimately, the periodic resurfacing of intrusive ideas is all part
of the natural processes of the brain thus they do not specifically pinpoint aspects of an
individuals characteristics.
b. Through this paper, the intention is to reach a wide population for intrusive thoughts exist
within each individual, though some more recognizable than others. However, due to the
scholarly structure and data, the more specific target is the younger generation within the
education system because due to the findings, TAF is less prevalent or concerning within
the older community.
II. Thesis
a. Individuals encountering id-like thoughts undergo series of lapses in cognition as
intentional and monitoring process counteract one another, but though certain ideas may
hold a universal meaning or appraisal in regards to character, the overall susceptibility
itself is a rudiment within human nature
b. Essential Question: How do our id-like thoughts escape our subconscious and what do
they reveal about us?
III. Dual Processes of Cognition
a. One thought at a time
i. Psychologists claim that multitasking is a myth because the brain switches modes
in hopes to balance out numerous assignments, but not all simultaneously. So the
brain can only process on concrete thought at a time (Wegner, 2009).
ii. Thus, an individual cannot mentally associated themselves with a stimulus of an
avoided thought while also locking it away in the sub-conscious part of the brain
at the same time.
iii. When unwanted thoughts resurface, they do not exactly indicate that a part of us
secretly desires to commit unethical actions. Instead, it can be a result of the
weak spot within our brains capacity to effectively process stimuli.
b. Battle between the Consciousness and Sub-Consciousness (Wegner, 1997)
i. The Intentional operating process is a conscious effort in which the brain seeks
out cues to benefit the intended state of mind like looking for signs of fatigue
when one is tired.
ii. The Ironic Operating Process is unconscious in which it searches for opposing
stimuli to create failure in the projected mindset.
iii. Though it is concerning that we all have a cognitive function that is trying to set
us up for defeat, these two processes essentially cooperate with one another to
brain about decision making and interpretation. The ironic process can
 unexpectedly prepare us for unsuspecting consequences of our actions, allowing
individuals to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.
iv. However, when placed under stress or distraction, the brain may inadvertently
allow the unconscious part of our mentality to rise into consciousness for a split
second, creating the revival of the Id.
IV. Drawbacks of Association
a. Thought-Action Fusion
i. The common misbelief that simple ideas that pop up every once in a while reveal
more about ourselves that we may not already know. By assuming that thoughts
automatically render action of some sort is misleading as they become subjected
to precisely counter-intentional error (Wegner, 2009).
ii. Probability TAF relies on the belief that intrusive thoughts are likely to lead to its
execution (Rachman & Shafran, 1999)
iii. Morality TAF is the most common experience indicating that daunting ideas
reveal ones virtuous conviction in carrying them out
iv. Reveals both a belief and appraisal (Berle, 2005)
1. Belief is a general perception that reveal a persons character
2. Appraisal is a more enduring beliefs considered to be interpretations or
ways in which meaning is made from events, including mental events
that may be positive or intrusive
b. Mental Contamination & Correction (Wilson & Brekke, 1994)
i. Cognition is greatly influenced by many internal and external factors, oftentimes
leading towards unwanted judgments. Such unwanted thoughts are identified
when the individual experiencing them would prefer not to be influenced in the
way that they were (117).
1. Mental Contamination uses normative standards utilized amongst a
consensus from scientists in regards to the appropriate reaction to certain
situations (120).
ii. The lack of awareness of this cognitive process leads to limitations on mental
control.
1. Mental Bias/Skewed Judgement is the systematic pattern of deviation
from norm or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other
people and situations may be drawn in an illogical manner
2. Mental Disorders that derive from the more intense cases of TAF include
OCD, Anxiety, and GAD (Coles, Mennin, & Heimberg, 2001). These
differ from genera cases because the thoughts and association patterns
are predictable and repetitive, often becoming part of a daily routine.
 iii. Unfortunately, researchers establish that once our thoughts have been
contaminated, the ideas cannot be reversed, making the memories more
significant than normal.
V. Drawbacks of Suppression
a. Ironic Process of Mental Control (Wegner, 1994)
i. In an attempt to assert dominance over mental recollections, subjects become
prone to experience a rebound effect an exacerbation of such thoughts.
(Muris, Harald, & Horselenburg, 1995)
1. Wegners white bear experiment led to the increase of the animal even
though they were instructed not to succumb to the mental stimuli placed
in front of them
a. Wegner reminds readers that thought-suppression is a short-term
remedy and other forms of paradoxical therapy may be more
beneficial
2. Hyper-Accessibility can be a consequence that individuals unknowingly
place on themselves because in the midst of trying to reinforce their
morals and ethics, the likelihood of nefarious thoughts are enhanced
(Wegner, & Erber, 1992).
VI. Conclusion
a. Resulting from the array of findings, the appearance of intrusive thoughts should not be
as alarming anymore for they are more of a lapse in cognition rather than an underlying,
subconscious that is yet to be made aware to us. The brain, though powerful, is lacking
and can be caught off-guard, in moments of weaknesses, allowing our id-like thoughts to
escape the subconscious.
b. The over-evaluation of these instances is what leads to the downfall resulting from TAF
for mental events do no automatically render a state or trait, but rather a belief and
appraisal.
c. It is reasonable, however, to instinctively suppress such aversive thoughts in hopes to
preserve morality, however the natural impulse may ultimately backfire, resulting in the
rebound effect and hyper-accessibility. The cure that so many leap towards whenever
they are presented with the chance to do so may actually be the instigator.
d. Instead, the remedy that many psychologists recommend is therapy, allowing individuals
to confront their intrusive ideas rather than hide from them or push them away to be
surprised by its resurfacing later in the future.
e. Contrary to popular belief, the arrival of unwanted thoughts is actually a good sign
because it indicates that ones morals are still intact. If driving off the side of the road,
jumping off a bridge, or yelling in public is no longer concerning, the individual may
actually have a psychological problem that must be addressed. However, if these
instances get ones blood pumping out of nervousness or apprehension, it shows that they
know right from wrong and perhaps these events occur to periodically remind us of the
things to avoid in case they slip away and we forget their consequences.