Deep cognitive activation: a new approach to the unconscious

Deep cognitive activation occurs when a thought is so accessible as to have measurable effects on behavior or judgement, but is yet not consciously reportable. This state of mind has unique properties mimicking some characteristics of the psychoanalytic unconscious, but following theoretically from a consideration of processes of cognitive activation. The sources and consequences of deep cognitive activation are examined, with a view toward understanding how this state is implicated in the assessment, etiology, and treatment of psychopathology.