Ruminating

Ruminating is a cognitive process characterized by repetitive, passive focus on distressing mood states, their causes, and their consequences, without active efforts to solve the underlying problems. It is a common feature of mood and anxiety disorders but can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Ruminative thinking is distinguished from constructive reflection or purposeful problem solving.

In the most studied form, ruminating persists after a distressing event and is maintained by cognitive biases such as attention to negative information and interpretations that magnify symptoms. Within the theory of response styles, rumination is subdivided into brooding, a maladaptive, moody comparison with desired states, and reflective pondering, which may be less harmful or even adaptive when it leads to problem solving.

The onset of rumination is often triggered by negative mood or stress, and once engaged it can broaden to other negative thoughts. Neuropsychological research implicates networks involved in self-referential thought (the default mode network) and executive control in maintaining rumination, though the precise mechanisms vary across individuals.

Rumination is associated with longer and more severe depressive episodes, higher anxiety, worse sleep, and impaired daily functioning. It can also interfere with cognitive performance and problem solving, further entrenching distress.

Assessment typically relies on self-report measures such as the Ruminative Responses Scale. Treatments that reduce rumination include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and rumination-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Techniques emphasize decentering from thoughts, cognitive reappraisal, mindfulness meditation, and structured problem solving, sometimes with behavioral activation to increase engagement in meaningful activity.