IRONIC PROCESSES OF MENTAL CONTROL

A theory of ironic processes of mental control is proposed to account for the intentional and counterintentional effects that result from ef forts at self-control of mental states. The theory holds that an attem pt to control the mind introduces 2 processes: (a) an operating proces s that promotes the intended change by searching for mental contents c onsistent with the intended state and (b) a monitoring process that te sts whether the operating process is needed by searching for mental co ntents inconsistent with the intended state. The operating process req uires greater cognitive capacity and normally has more pronounced cogn itive effects than the monitoring process, and the 2 working together thus promote whatever degree of mental control is enjoyed. Under condi tions that reduce capacity, however, the monitoring process may supers ede the operating process and thus enhance the person's sensitivity to mental contents that are the ironic opposite of those that are intend ed.