The Effects of Trait Rumination and Reflection on Mental Health among Japanese University Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use structural equation modeling to examine the effects of trait rumination and reflection on stress response and subjective well-being among Japanese university athletes. One hundred and eighty-two Japanese university athletes (114 males, 68 females, mean age = 20.15 years) participated. Trait rumination was positively associated with stress response and negatively associated with subjective well-being. On the other hand, trait reflection showed a negative association with stress response and a positive association with subjective well-being. In order to develop effective interventions for athletes high in rumination and/or low in reflection, future research should examine the mechanism that explains the different effects of rumination and reflection on athlete mental health.