Core self-evaluation, rumination and forgiveness as an influence on emotional distress

Core self-evaluation (CSE) is a latent construct that refers to the fundamental appraisal that an individual derives about their self-worth, their capabilities and their competence. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between CSE and emotional distress, in the forms of depression, anxiety and stress. The study also sought to explore how the cognitive processes of rumination and forgiveness may mediate these relationships. Participants (N = 193) completed a series of questionnaires assessing CSE, rumination, forgiveness, an emotional distress. The analysis indicated that CSE is negatively associated with emotional distress and that this relationship is partially mediated by rumination and forgiveness. Mediation in series was not present when rumination and forgiveness were represented by global factors but was reported when they were represented by the sub-factors of brooding and forgiveness of self/situation. This was consistent for a global measure of emotional distress and for the specific emotions of depression and stress. While the relationship between CSE and anxiety was mediated by rumination, forgiveness did not contribute to this relationship. CSE appears to be a significant contributor to the experience of emotional distress, with rumination (brooding) and forgiveness tending to mediate these relationships.