White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI) – Free Online Test

“Try to pose for yourself this task: not to think of a polar bear, and you will see that the cursed thing will come to mind every minute,” says Dostoevsky. He is right because if someone says to us “Don’t think about the white bear!”, inevitably, we begin to think about it. What is meant here is that ironically suppressing our unwanted thoughts doesn't quite work. When we try not to think about something, one part of our mind avoids that thought, while another part of it checks that thought, causing it to come to our mind ironically. You see, our thoughts are also processed with the logic of running away and being chased... When we try to suppress these unwanted thoughts and fail naturally, psychological difficulties such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression may occur. Isn't it interesting? So, to what extent do you tend to suppress things you don't want to think about? Through this test, you can go on an exploratory journey through your thoughts and have an idea of how your thoughts are circulating in your mind. Before you start the test, I would like to remind you that this test is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help with making a diagnosis. Only an expert psychologist can make the most accurate diagnosis.

1 - There are things I prefer not to think about

2 - Sometimes I wonder why I have the thoughts that I do

3 - I have thoughts that I cannot stop

4 - There are images that come to mind that I cannot erase

5 - My thoughts frequently return to one idea

6 - I wish I could stop thinking

7 - Sometimes my mind races so fast I wish I could stop it

8 - I always try to put problems out of mind

9 - There are thoughts that keep jumping onto my head

10 - There are things that I try not to think about

11 - Sometimes I really wish I could stop thinking

12 - Sometimes I stay busy just to keep thoughts from intruding on my mind

13 - I often have thoughts that I try to avoid

14 - There are many thoughts that I have that I don't tell anyone

15 - I often do things to distract myself from my thoughts

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Frequently asked questions

What does the White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI) measure?

The WBSI measures how often you try to suppress or push away unwanted thoughts. Its name comes from the well-known observation that trying not to think of a white bear makes the thought come back more often.

Why can suppressing thoughts backfire?

When we try not to think about something, part of the mind keeps checking for that thought, which can make it return more often. This is why thought suppression is often discussed in relation to worry and intrusive thoughts.

Is the WBSI a diagnosis?

No. Online tests like this one give you an idea, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified mental health professional can make an assessment after talking with you.