The role of cognitive defusion in the relationship between feelings of guilt and shame and self-critical rumination

Cognitive defusion, as conceptualized within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is known to have a buffering function on the negative impact of distressing emotions and negative thoughts on psychological health. The aim of the current study is to examine whether the relationship between feelings of guilt and shame and self-critical rumination is regulated by the level of cognitive defusion, and to investigate the relationships between these variables. The level of psychopathology has been controlled while exploring these relationships. The sample for the study consists of 293 participants aged between 18 and 72, obtained through convenience sampling method. As data collection tools, Guilty and Shame Scale to measure feelings of guilt and shame, Self-Critical Rumination Scale to measure self-critical rumination, Drexel Defusion Scale to measure levels of cognitive defusion, the Brief Symptom Inventory to control for levels of psychopathology and a demographic information form were used. In the analysis of the collected data, group comparisons regarding categorical variables, correlation analyses, and two separate moderation analyses for guilt and shame feelings were conducted. The analysis results showed a significant positive relationship between feelings of shame and guilt and self-critical rumination, and that these relationships were not regulated by the level of cognitive defusion. The obtained results were evaluated within the scope of the literature.