Examination of Cross‐National and Gender Differences in Rumination and Its Association with Depression: A Cross‐Sectional Comparison Between Residents of the United Kingdom and Japan

Abstract

Rumination often leads to maladaptive consequences. Some studies report cross‐national disparities regarding the extent to which people ruminate, as well as its consequences. This study aimed to quantify the disparities in rumination between European (United Kingdom [UK]) and East Asian (Japan) countries, as well as compare its relation with depression. Gender differences were also examined. An online questionnaire survey targeting residents aged between 20 and 69 years was conducted in July 2022. Data from 3,551 participants (UK: N = 1,891, Japan: N = 1,660) were analyzed statistically using 2 × 2 multivariate analysis of variance and moderation analyses. Results showed a greater inclination towards rumination among UK residents, in comparison to those residing in Japan. The magnitude of rumination–‐depression association differed by country, with the association being more pronounced in the UK. Females displayed a higher inclination towards rumination in both the UK and Japan. In both countries, a robust association exists between rumination and concurrent depression. Implications of the findings and future directions are discussed.