Rumination and distraction: selected findings related to the response styles theory

摘要

The response styles theory by Nolen-Hoeksema suggests that rumination in response to depressed mood exacerbates and prolongs depression, while distraction ameliorates it. This article reviews experimental, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on the association between rumination, distraction and depressed affect. Furthermore studies on the influence of ruminative and distractive responses to the treatment of depressed patients are presented. Summarizing research results it can be said, that rumination puts persons at risk of experiencing intensified symptoms of depression as well as the onset of a major depressive episode. Whereas laboratory studies have reliably shown that inducing distractive responses reduces negative affect - cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have not produced clear or consistent results. Research results, research methodology and the scope of response styles theory are discussed.