Mechanisms driving pre- and post-stressor repetitive negative thinking: Metacognitions, cognitive avoidance, and thought control

Background and objectivesRepetitive negative thinking (RNT) is common to multiple emotional disorders and occurs before, during, and following a stressor. One replicated difference between common forms of RNT such as worry and rumination is temporal orientation towards a stressor, with worry being more future-oriented and rumination more past-oriented. Different mechanisms may drive RNT at these different time points. The aim of Study 1 was to examine whether previously demonstrated relationships between post-stressor RNT and mechanisms theorized to drive engagement in RNT, including metacognitive beliefs, cognitive avoidance strategies, and thought control strategies, would be replicated with anticipatory (pre-stressor) RNT. The aim of Study 2 was to replicate these associations in a new sample that completed measures of both pre- and post-stressor RNT.MethodParticipants in Study 1 (N = 175) completed the RNT-L in anticipation of a stressor, along with measures of metacognitive beliefs, cognitive avoidance strategies, and thought control strategies. Participants in Study 2 (N = 91) completed the measures both before and after a stressor. Results: Pre- and post-stressor RNT were significantly correlated with all three mechanism measures. Metacognitive beliefs that RNT is uncontrollable and dangerous, and the thought control strategy of punishment, were most consistently and uniquely associated with RNT at both time-points.LimitationsReplication with clinical samples and with reference to a broader array of stressors is required. The correlational design precluded causal conclusions.ConclusionsCommon and possibly some distinct mechanisms drive RNT before and after a stressor.

► Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) was assessed before and after a stressor.
► RNT was correlated with metacognitions, thought control, and cognitive avoidance.
► Pre- and post-stressor RNT were associated with all three mechanisms.
► Uncontrollability/dangerousness metabeliefs were consistently associated with RNT.
► Punishment as a thought control strategy was consistently associated with RNT.