Induced rumination dampens executive processes in dysphoric young adults.

Full Abstract

Self-focused, analytical mental rumination constitutes a central process in depression. It has been hypothesized that such rumination depletes executive resources that are necessary for an efficient cognitive regulation of emotion and behavior. However, most of the research supporting this hypothesis is of correlational nature. The present study examined the effects of induced rumination versus distraction on executive capacities in dysphoric and nondsyphoric college students. Executive functioning was measured with the Stroop task. Results indicate that induced rumination decreases inhibition capacities in dysphoric individuals only. The flexibility facet of executive functioning was not affected by induced rumination. However, dysphoric individuals demonstrated a fundamental impairment in this latter capacity, independent of rumination induction. The implications for the facets of executive functioning affected by depression and by rumination are discussed.

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Author information

Author/s: Philippot, Pierre (P); Brutoux, Fabienne (F);

Affiliation: University of Louvain, Belgium. pierre.philippot(-atsign-)uclouvain.be

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry (J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Sep; vol 39 (issue 3) : pp 219-27

Dates: Created 2008/06/09; Completed 2008/08/20;

PMID: 17698028, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Attention
Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; psychology
Color Perception
Control Groups
Depressive Disorder - diagnosis; psychology
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Emotions
Female
Form Perception

Form Perception
Humans
Inhibition (Psychology)
Models, Psychological
Neuropsychological Tests - statistics & numerical data
Personality Inventory
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales - statistics & numerical data
Questionnaires
Self Concept
Thinking

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