What Is Rumination?

This informational handout provides a client-friendly overview of rumination and when it becomes problematic.

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Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Rumination and repetitive thought is a transdiagnostic maintenance process underpinning a range of difficulties. This information sheet explores the consequences of different thinking styles, including helpful and unhelpful rumination.

Why Use This Resource?

This resource is designed to support clients by:

Clearly defining rumination.
Differentiating 'helpful' and 'unhelpful' rumination.
Highlighting the problems associated with rumination.

Key Benefits

Accessible

Provides a client-friendly overview of rumination.

Educational

Discusses when rumination becomes problematic.

Informative

Clarifies the difference between real and hypothetical worry.

Who is this for?

Depression

Persistent, negative thoughts exacerbating low mood.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Dwelling on traumatic events.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Repetitive cognitive patterns and recurring intrusive thoughts.

Integrating it into your practice

Review

Discuss why and how people ruminate.

Explore

Examine the different ways people ruminate.

Reflect

Explore how content and process of the client's rumination.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Repetitive thought or rumination is a transdiagnostic maintenance process which underpins a wide range of psychological difficulties.

What Is Rumination? is a CBT information sheet providing a simple explanation of rumination. It explores the consequences of different thinking styles, detailing helpful (process-mode) and unhelpful (evaluative-mode) forms of thinking. It can be used to encourage clients to practise thinking in more productive ways.

What's inside

An introduction to rumination.
Suggestions for using the resource.
Key references for learning more about rumination.

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FAQs

Not always, while excessive rumination is problematic, some degree can be adaptive when focused on solutions.

Use it to help clients recognize ruminative patterns of thinking, explore its consequences, and address this style of thinking.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

This handout assists clinicians in:

Educating clients about rumination.
Helping clients differentiate between types of rumination.
Developing case conceptualizations and treatment plans.

References And Further Reading

Harvey, A. G. (2004). Cognitive behavioural processes across psychological disorders: A transdiagnostic approach to research and treatment. Oxford University Press, USA.
Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1991). Responses to depression and their effects on the duration of depressive episodes. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 100(4), 569.
Watkins, E. R. (2008). Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought. Psychological Bulletin, 134(2), 163-206.
Watkins, E. R. (2016). Rumination-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression. Guilford Publications.