Abstract

BERNARDES, Dora Luisa Geraldes. Dizer «não» aos estereótipos sociais: as ironias do controlo mental. Aná. Psicológica [online]. 2003, vol.21, n.3, pp.307-321. ISSN 0870-8231.

For a variety of reasons, social perceivers may often attempt to actively inhibit stereotypic thoughts before their effects impinge on judgement and behaviour. However, research on the psychology of mental control raises doubts about the efficacy of this strategy. Indeed, this work suggests that when people attempt to suppress unwanted thoughts, these thoughts are likely to subsequently reappear with even greater insistence than if they had never been suppressed (i.e., a «rebound» effect). The present article comprises a review of the literature about this ironic effect concerning unwanted stereotypic thoughts about others. Although stereotype rebound occurs under some circumstances, it is suggested that a complete understanding of this phenomenon requires a consideration of the full array of possible moderating influences.

Keywords : Social stereotyping; thought suppression; rebound effect.

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