Before revision: Ironic process theory (IPT) suggests that when an individual intentionally tries to avoid thinking a certain thought or feeling a certain emotion, a paradoxical effect is produced: the attempted avoidance not only fails in its object but in fact causes the thought or emotion to occur more frequently and more intensely.
After revision: , also known as the Pink elephant paradox The Pink Elephant Problem, Marina Harris Ph.D, Psychology today, July 5, 2023, url URLIronic process theory (IPT) suggests that when an individual intentionally tries to avoid thinking a certain thought or feeling a certain emotion, a paradoxical effect is produced: the attempted avoidance not only fails in its object but in fact causes the thought or emotion to occur more frequently and more intensely.