Depressive rumination is the passive, repetitive response style focused on depression's symptoms, their possible causes, and consequences. Unlike active problem-solving, it cycles around distress without moving forward. It prolongs and amplifies depressive episodes and predicts the onset of new episodes more than initial severity.
Concept origin
Nolen-Hoeksema developed the Response Styles Theory (1991) and showed that people with ruminative style have longer depressive episodes. The theory was extended to explain anxiety-depression comorbidity: rumination is the common transdiagnostic factor.
How it manifests
- ▸ Repetitive thoughts about "why am I like this?" without reaching an answer
- ▸ Endless analysis of past mistakes and their causes
- ▸ Frequent comparisons with how one "used to be"
Therapeutic approach
Behavioral activation interrupts rumination by replacing it with value-oriented action. Metacognitive therapy addresses beliefs about the usefulness of ruminating. Mindfulness trains the capacity to observe ruminative thoughts without engaging with their content.
Related concepts
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