Self-complexity mediates the relationship between temperamental perseverance and ruminative thoughts

Abstract

The temperamental trait of perseverance is suspected to be a cause for ruminations present in many different affective disorders, especially depression. We predicted that higher-order cognition, including self-complexity, would mediate the role of perseverance. In the current study, we used the Formal Characteristics of Behavior–Temperament Inventory (FCB–TI), the Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire and Evans’ Self-Complexity Inventory (SCI) to measure the factors included in the tested model. We found that a strong positive relation between perseverance and ruminative thoughts is partially mediated by self-complexity. This result shows how important it is to include the complex cognitive processes in personality formation to understand the role of temperament in the development of ruminative thoughts.