Rumination and distraction among chronic depressives in treatment: A structural equation analysis

Response Styles Theory hypothesizes that rumination about one's symptoms amplifies and prolongs depressed mood, whereas distraction has the opposite effect. Response styles are also hypothesized to be trait-like dispositions. The generalizability of Response Styles Theory, as well as the linkages that may account for correlations between rumination, distraction, and depression, were explored with structural equation modeling in a sample of chronically depressed individuals undergoing treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or combination treatment. Results were not consistent with the hypotheses that rumination or distraction have causal effects on recovery from depression or that depression causes rumination or distraction. Rather a common cause or causes appeared to account for the correlations between these variables. Stability of rumination and distraction was low over a 12-week period. Implications of the findings are discussed.