Need for Cognition Promotes Adaptive Style of Self-Focusing with the Mediation of Effortful Control

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that “need for cognition” (NfC), which is the tendency to enjoy effortful cognitive activity, affects various cognitive processes and behaviors. However, the effects of NfC on mental adaptation have not been investigated. According to previous studies, it can be hypothesized that NfC decreases maladaptive self-focusing, which is called self-rumination, through increasing effortful control (EC); therefore, we hypothesized that NfC would indirectly inhibit self-rumination through the mediation of EC. As we expected, the results of a cross-sectional questionnaire study with 152 undergraduate participants indicated a negative indirect association between NfC and self-rumination through the mediation of EC. Secondarily, the present results revealed a direct positive association between NfC and adaptive type of self-focusing, which is called self-reflection. The present study is the first to propose the possible contribution of NfC to mental health through decreasing self-rumination and increasing self-reflection.