Cognitive Defusion Versus Thought Distraction: A Clinical Rationale, Training, and Experiential Exercise in Altering Psychological Impacts of Negative Self-Referential Thoughts
Abstract
Using two modes of intervention delivery, the present study compared the effects of a cognitive defusion strategy with a thought distraction strategy on the emotional discomfort and believability of negative self-referential thoughts. One mode of intervention delivery consisted of a clinical rationale and training (i.e., Partial condition). The other mode contained a condition-specific experiential exercise with the negative self-referential thought in addition to the clinical rationale and training (i.e., Full condition). Nonclinical undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of five protocols: Partial-Defusion, Full-Defusion, Partial-Distraction, Full-Distraction, and a distraction-based experimental control task. The Full-Defusion condition reduced the emotional discomfort and believability of negative self-referential thoughts significantly more than other comparison conditions. The positive results of the Full-Defusion condition were also found among participants with elevated depressive symptoms.
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Cognitive defusion, a core technique within ACT, aims to help individuals separate themselves or 'defuse' from distressing thoughts and emotions, often using experiential and conceptual techniques such as metaphors and visualization.
“cognitive defusion, a core technique within ACT [19-21], aims to help individuals separate themselves or “defuse” from distressing thoughts and emotions, often using experiential and conceptual techniques such as metaphors and visualization.”
From A Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Defusion Application for Youth Depression and Anxiety: Mixed Methods Experimental Study. (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
Core techniques such as cognitive defusion can be highly effective for some individuals.
“while core techniques such as cognitive defusion can be highly effective for some individuals [19,21,27]”
From A Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Defusion Application for Youth Depression and Anxiety: Mixed Methods Experimental Study. (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
Cognitive defusion and related third-wave CBT techniques typically encourage individuals to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and view them as separate to the self.
“Cognitive defusion and related third-wave CBT techniques typically encourage individuals to sit with uncomfortable thoughts and view them as separate to the self [19-21].”
From A Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Defusion Application for Youth Depression and Anxiety: Mixed Methods Experimental Study. (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
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- Authors
- Masuda, A., Feinstein, A. B., Wendell, J. W., & Sheehan, S. T.
- Affiliations
- Georgia State University (US)
- Venue
- Behavior Modification
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2010-08-05
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 520-538
- ISSN
- 0145-4455 (ISSN-L)
- 1552-4167
- OpenAlex
- W2113830183
- Cited by
- 53
- References
- 31
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 4.58
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Behavior Modification (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Digital Archive @ GSU (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychological Treatments and Assessments
- Keywords
- cognitive defusion, emotional discomfort, experiential exercises, depression, cognitive-behavioral intervention
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Emotions, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Self Concept, Thinking, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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