Neural propensity for trait rumination in adolescents: A cross-sectional study with Voxel-Based Morphometry

Abstract

Rumination is a transdiagnostic risk factor among adolescents for developing psychopathology. Despite prior research on the neuroscience of rumination in adults, more research is needed regarding the underlying structural neural correlates associated with adolescent rumination. This study analyzed the neural correlates of trait rumination among adolescents (N = 95) using Voxel-Based Morphometry. We found higher trait rumination was associated with lower gray matter density in the left orbitofrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus, and bilateral temporal gyrus, which are involved in inhibitory control, language processing, executive functioning, and social cognitions, respectively. Additionally, higher trait rumination was also associated with higher gray matter density in the caudate and insula, regions linked to impulsivity and negative emotions. While most of the findings are consistent with prior research on adult depression and rumination, some discrepancies may stem from differences in age and psychopathology severity across study samples. This cross-sectional study provides insights into the neural propensities of adolescent rumination.

Keywords: Adolescent; MRI; Neural development; Rumination; Transdiagnostic; VBM.

Fig. 1

Example correlations between trait rumination severity and gray matter density (after controlling for demographic variables, in arbitrary unit (AU)) at (A) the left temporal gyrus, (B) left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) & inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), (C) left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), (D) left caudate and (E) right insula.