Rumination, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Physical Health and Neuroticism in Young Adults

Page: 29-34
Komila Parthi1 and Sheena Shivinder Kaur2(Department of Psychology, DAV College, Sector-10, Chandigarh1 and Department of Psychology, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh2)

Rumination has been defined as passively focusing one’s attention on a negative emotional state like depression, its symptoms, and thinking repetitively about the causes, meanings, and consequences of that state (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1991). Researchers have identified rumination as maladaptive coping and emotional regulation strategy. Research reveals a strong relationship between rumination and depression(Tong, Hou, Liang, Li, Huinan, & Lee,2021), anxiety (Grant & Beck, 2010); stress (Samaie & Farahani, 2011); physical health (Thomsen, Mehlsen, Olesen, Hokland, Viidik, Avlund, & Zachariae, 2004); and neuroticism (Segerstrom, Tsao, Alden, & Craske, 2000). Rumination or repititive thinking may lead to a number of problems among the young adults. The objectives of the present study were to identify gender differences on rumination among young adults and to examine rumination in relation with depression, anxiety, stress, physical health and neuroticism in young- adults. Ninety-nine young-adults (49 males & 50 females) in the 18-24 years age range comprised the sample of the study. They were administered the Ruminative Responses Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991); Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995); and PGI-Health Questionnaire N-1 (Verma, Wig, & Prashad, 1985). Results reveal that females are significantly higher than males on anxiety. However, no significant gender differences emerged on rumination, depression, stress, physical health and neuroticism. A significant positive relationship emerged between rumination, anxiety and stress among males. While among females no significant relationship emerged between rumination, depression, anxiety, stress, physical health and neuroticism.