Metacognitive beliefs about rumination in recurrent major depression

Wells and Matthews (1994, 1996) proposed that perseverative negative thinki ng, such as depressive rumination and anxious worry, is supported by metaco gnitive beliefs concerning the functions and consequences of these styles o f thinking. However, to date no studies have investigated metacognitive bel iefs about rumination. This study examined the presence and content of meta cognitive beliefs about rumination in patients with recurrent major depress ion. To achieve this aim, a semistructured interview was conducted with eac h patient. The results showed that all patients held positive and negative beliefs about rumination. Positive beliefs appear to reflect themes concern ing rumination as a coping strategy. Negative beliefs seem to reflect theme s concerning uncontrollability and harm, and interpersonal and social conse quences of rumination. The conceptual and clinical implications of the resu lts are discussed.