Evaluating Theories of Repetitive Negative Thinking: Replication and Extension

Background: Rumination plays a major role in various forms of psychopathology. In a recent study, we tested the main predictions of the key processes that drive rumination from major metacognitive and self-regulation theories of rumination by using a data-driven network analytical approach. This study aimed to replicate these findings and extend the approach to worry. Methods: The study followed the original procedures. Participants were recruited from Academic Prolific (n=500).Results: The current study largely replicated the original findings. The regularized partial correlation network for rumination did not significantly differ from the one obtained in the original study in terms of network structure and level of connectivity (p>.6). Bayesian network analysis replicated the main results from the first study: positive beliefs about rumination, cognitive self-consciousness, and effortful control were directly linked to rumination.Moreover, we found potential causal links from depression and perfectionism to rumination.We applied a similar approach to explore the mechanisms behind worry. The results suggest amoderate correlation between worry and rumination (r=.67) and some specificity to the mechanisms governing worry.Conclusions: There are multiple cognitive factors that are directly linked to rumination and worry. These findings contribute to the cognitive theories of depression and anxiety.