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Suppressing Negative Thoughts Boosts Mental Health, Study Finds

3/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The University of Cambridge study finds that suppressing negative thoughts may improve mental health more than discussing them.
In the 120-participant study, those trained to avoid thinking about fears showed better mental well-being.
Professor Michael Anderson notes that stopping thoughts, not just speech, causes emotional readjustment.
Volunteers at a Yorkshire steam railway found solace in shared activities and preferred silence over discussing feelings.

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Story summary

The University of Cambridge study finds that suppressing negative thoughts may improve mental health more than discussing them.
In the 120-participant study, those trained to avoid thinking about fears showed better mental well-being.
Professor Michael Anderson notes that stopping thoughts, not just speech, causes emotional readjustment.
Volunteers at a Yorkshire steam railway found solace in shared activities and preferred silence over discussing feelings.