The Effect of Rumination on Intrusive Images and Mood: An Experimental Investigation Using the Trauma Film Paradigm

Abstract

Rumination appears to predict and maintain posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but evidence for a causal effect is lacking. This experimental study investigated the impact of manipulating film-related and non-film-related rumination on the development of post-trauma intrusive memories and mood. Sixty healthy participants selected for being moderate ruminators were exposed to a trauma film and then allocated to three conditions: film related rumination; non-film related rumination; and no task. Rumination tasks were completed post-film and daily for one week. The two rumination conditions combined resulted in more intrusive memories of the film over one week than the control condition but there were no differences between rumination conditions. In contrast, the two rumination conditions combined, compared to the control group, did not increase negative mood either in the short or long term. These results extend previous findings to show a causal effect of general and trauma-related rumination on intrusive memories.