Brief report: Preliminary evidence that co-rumination fosters adolescents' depression risk by increasing rumination. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stone, Lindsey B.; Gibb, Brandon E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 38(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Co-rumination -- Depression -- Rumination -- Peer relationships -- Adolescence; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2014.10.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: Mounting research shows that the tendency to co-ruminate with peers regarding ongoing problems increases adolescents' depression risk; however, the means by which this interpersonal process fosters risk has not been identified. This said, theorists have proposed that co-rumination increases depression risk, in part, by increasing one's tendency to ruminate when alone. We tested this hypothesis in a study of 201 high-school freshmen who completed two assessments, six months apart. Supporting the proposed model, co-rumination predicted prospective increases in rumination and rumination predicted increases in depressive symptoms. The direct effect of co-rumination on depressive symptom change was not significant. Results indicate that co-rumination with friends may serve to increase rumination, which in turn increases depression risk. Highlights: Mounting evidence supports co-rumination is a risk factor for depression in youth. Yet little is known about precise mechanisms by which co-rumination fosters risk. Co-rumination was found to increase depressive symptoms by increasing rumination. Findings help to bridge interpersonal and intrapersonal models of depression risk.