Rumination, Attention and Negative Affect: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare an induced rumination group and a control group, in selective attention, attentional control, and negative and positive affect. Method: 40 university students were randomly assigned to the induced rumination group or the control group and performed a selective attention task (DiViSA), an attentional control task (Shapes) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: The induced rumination group showed lower selective attention and greater negative affect than the control group. No statistically significant differences were found in attentional control. Conclusion: The current study suggests that rumination in normal population interfere in selective attention but not in attentional control. We discuss that different networks of Posner´s attention system are involved. We highlight the importance of inducing rumination appropriately and considering the related negative affect.