Ruminative Response Scale (RRS)

What is Rumination?

Rumination is the compulsively focused attention on the symptoms of one's distress, and on its possible causes and consequences, as opposed to its solutions. It involves repetitively thinking about negative feelings and distress, their causes, and the consequences of those feelings.

The Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) was developed by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema and colleagues to measure the tendency to ruminate in response to depressed mood. Research has shown that rumination is a significant risk factor for depression and anxiety.

Impact of Rumination

Chronic rumination can lead to prolonged episodes of depression, increased anxiety, impaired problem-solving, and difficulty moving forward from negative experiences. It can also interfere with sleep and physical health.

Strategies to Reduce Rumination

• Mindfulness meditation: Practice observing thoughts without judgment
• Distract yourself: Engage in absorbing activities that require focus
• Set a worry time: Schedule 15-20 minutes daily for rumination
• Challenge negative thoughts: Question the accuracy of repetitive thoughts
• Take action: Convert rumination into problem-solving
• Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness
• Exercise: Physical activity can break rumination cycles
• Seek professional help: CBT is effective for rumination

References

• Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Morrow, J. (1991). A prospective study of depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms after a natural disaster: The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(1), 115-121. 10.1037/0022-3514.61.1.115
• Treynor, W., Gonzalez, R., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2003). Rumination reconsidered: A psychometric analysis. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 27(3), 247-259.
• Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400-424.