Positive Beliefs about Rumination, Self-rumination, and Self-reflection

Abstract

Empirical evidence has indicated that self-focus has an adaptive and maladaptive aspect in self-reflection and self-rumination. Previous research suggested that rumination is increased by positive beliefs about rumination, which are beliefs that rumination is a helpful coping strategy. The present study investigated the relationships among positive beliefs, two types of self-focus, and depression. In Study 1, we developed the Japanese version of the Positive Beliefs about Rumination Scale (Papageorgiou & Wells, 2001a) and confirmed its reliability and validity. In Study 2, we investigated the relations among these constructs and depression using structural equation modeling. The analysis showed that positive beliefs were positively associated both with self-rumination and self-reflection. Self-rumination was associated with higher levels of depression, whereas self-reflection was associated with lower levels of depression. These results suggest that positive beliefs may not only trigger maladaptive self-focus and exacerbate depression, but also contribute to adaptive self-focus and lead to regulation of depression.