Maladaptive repetitive thought as a transdiagnostic phenomenon and treatment target: An integrative review

Abstract

Objective: Maladaptive repetitive thought (RT), the frequent and repetitive revisiting of thoughts or internal experiences, is associated with a range of psychopathological processes and disorders. We present a synthesis of prior research on maladaptive RT and develop a framework for elucidating and distinguishing between five forms of maladaptive RT.

Method: In addition to the previously studied maladaptive RT (worry, rumination, and obsession), this framework is used to identify two additional forms of maladaptive RT (yearning and interoceptive RT). We then present a review of extant psychotherapy intervention research targeting maladaptive RT, focusing both on specific empirically based treatment strategies, and also constructs within treatments that impact maladaptive RT.

Conclusion: The paper concludes with recommendations for future basic and intervention research on maladaptive RT and related psychopathologies.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; psychotherapy; repetitive thought; rumination.