Exploring the optimal factor structure of mind-wandering: Associations with neuroticism
Joseph Diehl1, Nicolas Camacho1, Moria Smoski1,2
1Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 11, 2024
Summary
Mind-wandering, worry, and rumination are common cognitive processes. While worry and rumination link to higher neuroticism, mind-wandering shows varied associations, including positive cognition and lower neuroticism.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Mind-wandering is a prevalent cognitive state, occupying 30-50% of waking hours.
- It is strongly associated with neuroticism, a key personality trait.
- Understanding the structure of mind-wandering and its relation to perseverative cognition is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the factor structure of mind-wandering and perseverative cognition.
- To investigate the associations between different facets of mind-wandering and neuroticism.
- To differentiate the roles of worry, rumination, and mind-wandering in relation to personality.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis was used to examine items from the NYC Cognition Questionnaire, Penn State Worry Questionnaire Short Form, and Rumination Responses Brooding Subscale.
- A structural model was employed to explore the relationships between mind-wandering facets and neuroticism in a sample of 309 adults.
- Model fit was assessed using CFI, TLI, SRMR, and RMSEA.
Main Results:
- A three-factor correlated solution provided the best fit for the data, indicating distinct components of mind-wandering and perseverative cognition.
- Bifactor models did not support a general mind-wandering construct independent of its facets.
- Differential associations were found: worry and rumination correlated with higher neuroticism, while other mind-wandering facets related to positive cognition and lower neuroticism.
Conclusions:
- Mind-wandering is not uniformly linked to negative affect or high neuroticism.
- Worry and rumination are maladaptive facets associated with neuroticism.
- Future research should jointly examine adaptive and maladaptive mind-wandering in personality and psychopathology studies.
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