Depression is often thought to be triggered by negative life events such as the death of a loved one or extreme trauma (Hoeksema & Morrow, 1993). But something as simple as thinking, if left its own devices, can trigger multiple psychopathologies such as anxiety and depression (Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991). This type of thinking is called rumination, or repetitively pondering something, typically a negative theme such as worthlessness. Many of us often engage in such behavior from time to time, often after an embarrassing situation, or disappointing outcome. However, habitual rumination is being implicated in the etiology of depression, and its persistence over time.
The Reponses Styles Theory (RST) developed by Nolen-Hoeksema (1991) shows that ruminating as some a kind of coping mechanism to a sad mood can predict not only if someone will be depressed—but also the duration and severity of that depression. Past research has investigated a form of rumination, known as depressive rumination, and its connection to depression. This form is characterized by repetitively thinking about one’s own problems, and the cause of said problems and possible detriments to their life because of said problems (Hoeksema, et. al., 2008). This …show more content…
They also have a tendency to affect social relationships as well, exacerbating the already existing depression. An argument has been made that habitual rumination will inevitably lead to loss of social support, which obviously can cause someone to spiral into more severe depressive episodes, possible even major depression (Davis & Hoeksema, 2000). In a study that investigated grieving adults, those who were chronic ruminators reached out for social support more often—however, they reported social tension and lowered emotional support. Friends noted that the need to consistently discuss a loss sometime after the loss had occurred made ruminators frustrating to deal
The Reponses Styles Theory (RST) developed by Nolen-Hoeksema (1991) shows that ruminating as some a kind of coping mechanism to a sad mood can predict not only if someone will be depressed—but also the duration and severity of that depression. Past research has investigated a form of rumination, known as depressive rumination, and its connection to depression. This form is characterized by repetitively thinking about one’s own problems, and the cause of said problems and possible detriments to their life because of said problems (Hoeksema, et. al., 2008). This …show more content…
They also have a tendency to affect social relationships as well, exacerbating the already existing depression. An argument has been made that habitual rumination will inevitably lead to loss of social support, which obviously can cause someone to spiral into more severe depressive episodes, possible even major depression (Davis & Hoeksema, 2000). In a study that investigated grieving adults, those who were chronic ruminators reached out for social support more often—however, they reported social tension and lowered emotional support. Friends noted that the need to consistently discuss a loss sometime after the loss had occurred made ruminators frustrating to deal