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The effects of rumination and negative cognitive styles on depression: A mediation analysis

Cola S.L. Lo, Samuel M.Y. Ho, Steven D. Hollon

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

Research on cognitive models of depression has identified negative cognitive styles and rumination as risk factors for depression. The present study examined the hypothesis that rumination mediates the effect of negative cognitive styles on depression. Specifically, we evaluated the differential effects of two aspects of rumination, characterized by brooding and reflection, on the relationship between negative cognitive styles and level of depressive symptoms. A total of 115 college students and 38 patients suffering from depressive disorders completed a battery of questionnaires measuring levels of depressive symptoms, brooding, reflection, and negative cognitive styles. The results support the notion that there exist two distinct dimensions of rumination and that, of the two, it is brooding and not reflection that mediates the relationship between negative cognitive styles and depression and contributes to its negative outcomes. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)487-495
JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy
Volume46
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2008
Externally publishedYes

Research Keywords

  • Depression
  • Mediation analysis
  • Negative cognitive styles
  • Rumination

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