Transdiagnostic Processes in Depression and Anxiety: Assessing Differentiated Cognitive Modes in Repetitive Thinking

Negative repetitive thinking (i.e., rumination and worries) is a central process in depression and anxiety. It has been suggested that different cognitive modes in repetitive thinking (RT) (e.g., abstract-evaluative versus concrete-experiential) determine whether RT consequences are constructive or unconstructive. Three studies were conducted in order to (a) validate a questionnaire differentiating cognitive modes in RT, (b) explore their phenomenal characteristics, and (c) investigate the questionnaire sensitivity in discriminating different forms of psychopathology and in detecting diagnosis-free but vulnerable individuals. Results show that the questionnaire reliably assesses three distinct modes of RT and has good psychometric characteristics. Phenomenal characteristics (temporal orientation, valence, authoritarian tone, and grammatical person) differentiated the three RT modes. Furthermore, the RT modes are differentially related to anxiety and depression symptoms. Altogether, the present data suggest that the questionnaire taps important transdiagnostic processes and that it detects individuals who are diagnosis-free but vulnerable in terms of mood.