What Is Rumination?
Rumination and repetitive thought is a transdiagnostic maintenance process underpinning a range of difficulties. This information sheet explores the consequences of different thinking styles
Description
Repetitive thought or rumination is a transdiagnostic maintenance process which underpins a wide range of psychological difficulties.
What Is Rumination? is a CBT information sheet providing a simple explanation of rumination. It explores the consequences of different thinking styles, detailing helpful (process-mode) and unhelpful (evaluative-mode) forms of thinking. It can be used to encourage clients to practise thinking in more productive ways.
Instructions
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:- Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
- Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
- Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
- Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training
References
- Watkins, E. (2004). Adaptive and maladaptive ruminative self-focus during emotional processing. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42(9), 1037-1052.
- Watkins, E. R. (2008). Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought. Psychological Bulletin, 134(2), 163-206.