Review
doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.134.2.163.Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought
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- PMID:18298268
- PMCID: PMC2672052
- DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.134.2.163
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Review
Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought
Edward R Watkins. Psychol Bull.2008 Mar.
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Abstract
The author reviews research showing that repetitive thought (RT) can have constructive or unconstructive consequences. The main unconstructive consequences of RT are (a) depression, (b) anxiety, and (c) difficulties in physical health. The main constructive consequences of RT are (a) recovery from upsetting and traumatic events, (b) adaptive preparation and anticipatory planning, (c) recovery from depression, and (d) uptake of health-promoting behaviors. Several potential principles accounting for these distinct consequences of RT are identified within this review: (a) the valence of thought content, (b) the intrapersonal and situational context in which RT occurs, and (c) the level of construal (abstract vs. concrete processing) adopted during RT. Of the existing models of RT, it is proposed that an elaborated version of the control theory account provides the best theoretical framework to account for its distinct consequences.
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Comment in
- Does mind wandering reflect executive function or executive failure? Comment on Smallwood and Schooler (2006) and Watkins (2008).McVay JC, Kane MJ.McVay JC, et al.Psychol Bull. 2010 Mar;136(2):188-197. doi: 10.1037/a0018298.Psychol Bull. 2010.PMID:20192557Free PMC article.
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