Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Nonsuicidal self-injury and rumination: A meta-analysis
Laura M Nagy1, Mackenzie L Shanahan2, Sara P Seaford1
1Department of Psychology, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, USA.
Trait rumination, the tendency to overthink negative emotions, is linked to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This meta-analysis confirms a small but consistent relationship between trait rumination and NSSI behaviors across diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Trait rumination, characterized by persistent focus on negative emotions and events, is associated with various psychological disorders.
- Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern, often co-occurring with emotional dysregulation.
- Understanding the link between trait rumination and NSSI is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Approach:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively synthesize the relationship between trait rumination and NSSI.
- Data were aggregated from 60 cross-sectional samples and 13 longitudinal samples, encompassing a large number of participants.
- Moderator analyses explored variations in the relationship based on rumination type, age, gender, and ethnicity.
Key Points:
- Small effect sizes were observed between trait rumination and NSSI engagement, frequency, and methods used in cross-sectional data.
- Similar small effect sizes were found in longitudinal data, indicating trait rumination predicts future NSSI engagement and frequency.
- The relationship between trait rumination and NSSI remained consistent across different types of rumination (depressive vs. non-depressive) and demographic factors.
Conclusions:
- Trait rumination is a significant, albeit small, risk factor for nonsuicidal self-injury.
- The findings underscore the importance of addressing rumination in clinical settings for individuals at risk of NSSI.
- This research provides robust evidence for the role of cognitive processes in the etiology of NSSI.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Schemas
Introspection
Bulimia Nervosa

