Ruminating and Distracting: The Effects of Sequential Tasks on Depressed Mood

摘要: Response styles theory (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987)provided the impetus for recent research effortsinvestigating effects of rumination and distractionon depressed mood. This study elaborates on previous by examining sequential ofengaging in ruminating distracting tasks. Resultsfrom two studies indicated that initially engaging aruminating task maintained postinduction levels dysphoric mood, whereas engagingin a reduced mood.More important, however, were orderon When participants engaged taskfollowing task, which had been maintainedwith was to premoodinductionlevels. Of equal importance, individuals who ruminatedafter their current mood did not report an increase depressedmood. In second study, sequentialrumination tasks further prolonged mood,whereas distraction reduceddepressed The results suggest that, althoughengaging maintains moodand reduces it, orderin these are performed is also important. implications responsestyles discussed.