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Author Spotlight: Unveiling Mechanisms of Stress Resilience - Significant Findings, Advancements, and Future Research
Published on: December 15, 2023
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Rumination and self-reflection in stress narratives and relations to psychological functioning
Kelly A Marin1, Elena K Rotondo2
1a Manhattan College , Bronx , NY , USA.
Memory (Hove, England)
|December 2, 2016
Summary
Narrating stressful experiences can increase self-reflection. However, increased brooding and self-criticism during narrative writing may negatively impact ego identity and self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Narrating stressful experiences is a common coping mechanism.
- Understanding the psychological costs and benefits of this narrative process is crucial for mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in rumination and self-reflection during narrative writing of stressful experiences.
- To examine the relationship between these changes and psychological functioning.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 56 college students writing stress narratives over 3 days.
- Measurement of rumination (brooding, self-criticism) and self-reflection.
- Assessment of psychological outcomes including ego identity, self-esteem, and identity distress.
Main Results:
- Participants showed an increase in self-reflection over the 3-day writing period.
- Increased ruminative brooding correlated with lower ego identity and self-esteem.
- Increased self-criticism was associated with higher identity distress.
Conclusions:
- Narrative writing can enhance self-reflection but may also involve detrimental rumination.
- Different facets of rumination have distinct implications for psychological health during stress narration.
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