Exploring the Link between Emotional Schemas and Rumination: How Emotional Flexibility Acts as a Mediator

Rumination negatively affects emotional and psychological functioning in nonclinical populations and plays an essential role in psychological disorders as a transdiagnostic factor. This study examined factors that increase individuals' vulnerability to rumination, focusing on the relationship between emotional schemas and rumination, with emotional flexibility as a mediating variable.

This descriptive-correlational study used structural equation modeling (SEM). Participants were 578 Tehran residents (381 females and 197 males), recruited through a voluntary sampling method. Data were collected using the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), the Persian version of the Emotional Schemas Scale (ESS-P), and the Emotional Flexibility Scale (EFS). SEM was employed for data analysis.

Emotional schemas significantly predicted emotional flexibility (β = -0.25, P = 0.009) and rumination (β = 0.55, P = 0.001). Emotional flexibility also significantly predicted rumination (β = -0.26, P = 0.007). Furthermore, emotional flexibility significantly mediated the relationship between emotional schemas and rumination. Model fit indices for both the measurement model (χ²/df = 4.66, CFI = 0.95, NFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.064, GFI = 0.90, IFI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.052) and the structural model (χ²/df = 4.44, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.069, GFI = 0.89, IFI = 0.94, SRMR = 0.056) indicated acceptable fit.

These findings suggest that emotional flexibility plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between emotional schemas and rumination. Considering emotional flexibility in this context may provide a deeper understanding of the rumination process and inform management strategies.