Something I Learned in Abnormal Psych...

I took an Abnormal Psychology course in college, and there was a theory/philosophy the professor mentioned one time that really stuck with me. I'm trying to figure out if there's a name for it. Or maybe it was just some informal advice he gave. Here's the gist:

When an uncomfortable thought pops into your head -- such as hurting yourself, hurting someone else, anything that makes you stop and think "Oh man! Why would I think that? What does it say about me? Is there something wrong with me?!" -- you can choose to handle it two ways: 1) You can dwell on it, and let it fester, and let it make you think there's something wrong with you. Or 2) You can say "Well, that was weird" and move on.

I'm definitely paraphrasing here, and I might have completely gotten it wrong, but this is something I've come back to a lot in the years since, and I have found it very useful. It's like saying "Well, that was weird" just makes that uncomfortable thought float away, and I get an instant feeling of relief. It's been a great coping mechanism. I have a pretty active imagination and a dark sense of humor, but this mechanism helps me remember that it's just a random thought and it doesn't make me bad/wrong/insane if something scary/weird/foreign pops into my head.

Just wondering if there's a name for this theory. If anyone knows and can share, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

I would think it's called acceptance?

When you focus on something in the way you describe it is often called perseveration.

Sounds like Observation to me.

I wish I knew, but I have no idea! However, thanks for sharing it - I always have uncomfortable thoughts pop up everyday, and I've tried a lot of different techniques, but never this one! Next time I have another thought like that, I'll try it

Actually, this makes me think of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [ACT]. In particular this bit of description [one aspect of ACT]from the SAMSHA site:

"Cognitive defusion or emotional separation/distancing (i.e., observing one's own uncomfortable thoughts without automatically taking them literally or attaching any particular value to them)"

Also, ACT at wikipedia

I don't want to admit it but i already do that alot of times i think i learned it on my own, but you said abnormal psychology? I think you may be right!!!