Why ruminators are poor problem solvers: clues from the phenomenology of dysphoric rumination.
The phenomenology of dysphoric rumination and its consequences for problem solving were explored in 3 studies. In Study 1, self-focused rumination, compared with distraction, led dysphoric participants to rate their own biggest problems as severe and unsolvable and to report a reduced likelihood of actually implementing their solutions. Clues into the mechanisms behind these findings were explored in Study 2. The results showed that dysphoric ruminative thought is characterized by a focus on personal problems combined with a negative tone, self-criticism, and self-blame for problems as well as reduced self-confidence, optimism, and perceived control. Finally, Study 3 revealed a direct relationship between the negatively biased content of ruminative thoughts and reduced willingness to solve one's problems. Implications of these findings for the consequences of self-focused rumination are discussed.
Lyubomirsky
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Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside 92521, USA. sonja@citrus.ucr.edu
Tucker
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Caldwell
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ND
Berg
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K
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009341:Negativism; D010551:Personality; D011340:Problem Solving; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D013850:Thinking