Boost-Only Cancellation Theory

Boost-Only Cancellation Theory suggests that certain cognitive processes involved in suppressing unwanted mental content rely solely on boosting the activity of the brain regions responsible for controlling thoughts, rather than actively canceling the unwanted thoughts themselves. In essence, it proposes that focused attention and heightened reinforcement of the intended goal or response can inhibit unwanted thoughts indirectly. This theory emphasizes the importance of strengthening specific neural pathways to manage emotional or intrusive thoughts, highlighting that effective control may result from enhancing positive or goal-directed brain activity rather than directly canceling or eliminating unwanted mental contents.