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Daily Rumination-Affect Associations in Dyads During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Elizabeth Zambrano Garza1, Rachel A Murphy2,3, Wolfgang Linden1
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Summary
Negative thinking, or rumination, impacts well-being. This study found that a close other's rumination also negatively affects an individual's mood and positive feelings.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Social Science
Background:
- Negative and repetitive self-oriented thinking, known as rumination, is linked to diminished well-being and health.
- The social dimensions of rumination are under-researched, with most studies focusing on marital dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the social context of rumination in older adults by examining relationships beyond marriage.
- To investigate the impact of close others' rumination on individual well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized daily diary data from 140 Canadian older adults and a chosen close other over 10 days.
- Both dyad members reported daily rumination and affect quality.
Main Results:
- Individual rumination correlated with increased negative affect and decreased positive affect, consistent with prior research.
- Crucially, partner rumination was also associated with increased negative affect and decreased positive affect in the individual.
Conclusions:
- Rumination significantly affects both the individual and their close social connections.
- A dyadic perspective is essential for understanding rumination, moving beyond its traditional view as an individual phenomenon.
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