The Effect of State and Trait Self-Critical Rumination on Acute Distress: An Exploratory Experimental Investigation
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The Effect of State and Trait Self‑Critical Rumination on Acute Distress: An Exploratory Experimental Investigation Daniel C. Kolubinski1 · Ana V. Nikčević2 · Marcantonio M. Spada1 Accepted: 16 September 2020 © The Author(s) 2020
Abstract Self-critical rumination is a process whereby individuals focus attention on past failures and inadequacies without consideration for improvement or problem-solving. Past research has demonstrated that self-critical rumination is a separate process from the experience of having intrusive self-critical thoughts and that engaging in self-critical rumination is strongly correlated with beliefs that it is uncontrollable or represents a weakness of character. What is less clear at this time, however, is the impact that self-critical rumination has on levels of distress when faced with failure. Thirty volunteers who were not experiencing significant levels of depression were randomly assigned across three groups: one rumination and two controls. Acute distress was measured prior to and immediately following a task, as well as upon debrief. Individuals expected to complete an impossible task, who experienced simulated self-critical rumination experienced greater levels of acute distress than controls immediately following the task. There was also a significant correlation between reported levels of trait self-critical rumination, negative metacognitive beliefs and self-esteem with levels of distress following debrief when controlling for initial levels of distress and group membership. The use of subjective self-reports and small sample size limits the findings of this exploratory study. Engaging in selfcritical rumination, and associated negative metacognitive beliefs, may have a significant impact on levels of acute distress following a recent failure. Keywords Self-criticism · Self-critical rumination · Metacognitions
* Daniel C. Kolubinski [email protected] 1
Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
2
Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
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Introduction Self‑Criticism and Self‑Critical Rumination Self-criticism is an intense and persistent form of internal dialogue that expresses hostility toward the self when one is unable to attain one’s own high standards (Shahar 2015). Having both state and trait components, the tendency to be self-critical has been identified as a transdiagnostic risk factor for several mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and personality disorders (Blatt et al. 1976; McIntyre et al. 2018; Warren et al. 2016; Zuroff et al. 1999, 2016). This may be due to subjective experiences of entrapment and the tendency to engage in negative social comparison (Sturman and Mongrain 2005) or as a way of punishing oneself or correcting one’s behavior (Gilbert et al. 2004). Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that apart from emotional distress, self-criticism can also lead t
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