Abstract
The response styles theory ( Nolen-Hoeksema, 1991 ) was proposed to explain the insidious relationship between rumination and depression. We review the aspects of the response styles theory that have been well-supported, including evidence that rumination exacerbates depression,
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400–424. DOI
Key findings
- rethinking rumination — The response styles theory ( Nolen-Hoeksema, 1991 ) was proposed to explain the insidious relationship between rumination and depression.
- response styles Nolen — We review the aspects of the response styles theory that have been well-supported, including evidence that rumination exacerbates depression, enhances negative thinking, impairs problem solving, interferes with…
- aspects response styles — Next, we address contradictory and new findings.
- Next address contradictory — Specifically, rumination appears to more consistently predict the onset of depression rather than the duration, but rumination interacts with negative cognitive styles to predict the duration of depressive symptoms.
Limits
Synthesis review — strong map for the field, not one fresh trial; use for orientation before primary studies.
Application
When replaying the same story deepens the hole — you may be ruminating, not reflecting. See It will be better when.