Is rumination associated with psychological distress after a cancer diagnosis? A systematic review.

Objective

The aim of this work was to review evidence on the association between psychological rumination and distress in those diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

Six databases were searched for studies exploring rumination alongside overall assessments of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, or stress.

Results

Sixteen studies were identified. Rumination was associated with distress cross-sectionally and longitudinally. However, once baseline depression was controlled for, the association was no longer seen. The emotional valence of ruminative thoughts and the style in which they were processed, rather than their topic, was associated with distress. Brooding and intrusive rumination were associated with increased distress, deliberate rumination had no association, and reflection/instrumentality had mixed findings.

Conclusions

This review highlights that it is not necessarily the topic of content, but the style and valence of rumination that is important when considering its association with distress. The style of rumination should be the target of clinical intervention, including brooding and intrusion.