Impact of abstract vs. concrete processing on state rumination: An exploration of the role of cognitive flexibility

Abstract and concrete modes of rumination may be associated with different mental health outcomes; whereby concrete rumination strategies increase the individual's tendency to seek solutions to problems and thus leading to significant improvements in the mood state as well as reductions in the intensity of ruminative thoughts. However, related studies also are suggestive of other variables that are potentially effective in the outcome of abstract and concrete processing. The current study aimed to examine how abstract and concrete processing are associated with state rumination and explore the role of cognitive flexibility in this relationship.

A total of 111 (78 female) participants were assessed for state rumination prior and post induction of abstract versus concrete processing.

Although all participants reported higher levels of state rumination following both processing inductions, participants that were instructed to engage in abstract processing reported higher levels of state rumination as opposed to concrete processing group. Moreover, participants with lower levels of cognitive flexibility reported significant increases in state rumination following the manipulation, independent of type of processing induction.

The impact of the manipulation was assessed only via the BSRI and lacks physiological assessment of arousal levels of participants.

Clinical implications that involve concrete processing and CF ability trainings may be beneficial for the management of state rumination.