reviewPsychological BulletinFeb 25, 2008HYBRID OA

Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought.

EWEdward Watkins

Singer (United States) · University of Exeter

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

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.…

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2,358
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89.59
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100%
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Authors

1

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Constructive
  • Intrapersonal communication
  • Psychology
  • Anxiety
  • Construal level theory
  • Situational ethics
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Context (archaeology)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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