Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought.

Abstract

The author reviews research showing that repetitive thought (RT) can have constructive or unconstructive consequences. The main unconstructive consequences of RT are (a) depression, (b) anxiety, and (c) difficulties in physical health. The main constructive consequences of RT are (a) recovery from upsetting and traumatic events, (b) adaptive preparation and anticipatory planning, (c) recovery from depression, and (d) uptake of health-promoting behaviors. Several potential principles accounting for these distinct consequences of RT are identified within this review: (a) the valence of thought content, (b) the intrapersonal and situational context in which RT occurs, and (c) the level of construal (abstract vs. concrete processing) adopted during RT. Of the existing models of RT, it is proposed that an elaborated version of the control theory account provides the best theoretical framework to account for its distinct consequences.

Nosce te ipsum – Socrates revisited? Controlling momentary ruminative self-referent thoughts by neuromodulation of emotional working memory

“…In other words, the cognitive capacity to adequately update negative mental representations in WM, which is associated with DLPFC activation, might influence the occurrence of momentary self-referent thoughts, preventing these thoughts to become uncontrollable and unconstructive (e.g., rumination). This is in line with cognitive theories proposing that a reduced capacity to shift away from internal representations of negative information could be the functional process underlying the inability to control self-referent ruminative thoughts, which can result in a tendency to continuously ruminate over negative thoughts and feelings (e.g., Koster, De Lissnyder, Derakshan, & De Raedt, 2011;Mor & Winquist, 2002;Watkins, 2008). Based on these models, we specifically hypothesized that momentary ruminative self-referent thoughts would be associated with WM processes to update and shift away from angry faces, an ability which is associated with the DLPFC.…”

“…7). Although these repetitive thoughts don't necessarily have unconstructive consequences (Watkins, 2008), depression vulnerable individuals have the tendency to focus their thoughts on negative information and personal concerns. It is therefore crucial to understand how self-evaluative ruminative thoughts can be regulated in order to prevent them from becoming unintentional and unconstructive, particularly in individuals who demonstrate a tendency to ruminate in everyday life.…”

“…However, although this process facilitates coping under a variety of circumstances (Austenfeld & Stanton, 2004;Pennebaker & Seagal, 1999;Trapnell & Campbell, 1999), it might turn out to be unconstructive when self-referent thoughts become rather abstract, evaluative and selfcritical (e.g., "Why do I always react this way? ", Watkins, 2008). Moreover, self-referent thoughts might evolve in rumination -"a class of conscious thoughts that revolve around a common instrumental theme and that recur in the absence of immediate environmental demands requiring the thoughts" (Martin & Tesser, 1996, pp.…”

Rumination mediates the relationship between impaired cognitive control for emotional information and depressive symptoms: A prospective study in remitted depressed adults

“…Research has provided support for this idea, showing that rumination diminishes cognitive resources and affects task performance and problem solving (Watkins, 2008).…”

Positive Outcomes Following Bereavement: Paths to Posttraumatic Growth

“…Earlier views of rumination associated such cognitive activities with increased distress and depression (Nolen-Hoeksema, McBride, & Larson, 1997;Segerstrom, Tsao, Alden, & Craske, 2000). However, more recent considerations recognise the multiple forms and impacts of rumination (Segerstrom, Stanton, Alden, & Shortridge, 2003;Treynor, Gonzalez, & Nolen-Hoeksema, 2003;Watkins, 2008). Rumination can be constructive or unconstructive, depending on whether the rumination supports continued negative thoughts and emotions or helps move the person toward problem solving or finding meaning.…”