The association between self-compassion, abstract processing, and state rumination: The role of cognitive flexibility

Self-compassion is a concept that encompasses three dimensions: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. The protective role of self-compassion on mental health has been well documented, yet more studies are needed to uncover its association with transdiagnostic risk factors. As a form of repetitive negative thinking, rumination has been found to be a transdiagnostic risk factor linked especially with affective disorders. Most studies investigating rumination have conceptualized it as a trait construct. However, a recent conceptualization entails that levels of rumination may be altered momentarily, which is called state rumination. The current study strived to explore the relationship between self- compassion versus abstract processing and state rumination using an experimental design. The role of cognitive flexibility was also explored within this relationship. 286 participants who were mostly female university students with a mean age of 22 were randomly assigned to compassionate writing and abstract processing writing conditions following a rumination induction procedure. The data were analyzed using a 2 x 2 x 2 mixed ANCOVA. The results showed that participants who received the compassionate writing manipulation reported significantly lower state rumination levels when compared with participants who received the abstract processing writing manipulation. However, differing levels of cognitive flexibility did not make a significant difference in the state rumination levels of participants. A significant post-hoc effect suggested that a higher level of cognitive flexibility is associated with a lower level of state rumination regardless of the experimental manipulation for participants who have undertaken psychotherapy. Implications of findings, limitations of the present study, and future research directions are discussed. Keywords: self-compassion, abstract processing, state rumination, cognitive flexibility, analog study