Rumination is repetitive, passive, and self-focused thinking about negative experiences or personal shortcomings. It prolongs negative mood and impairs problem-solving. It is a central cognitive risk factor for depression and contributes to anxiety and personality pathology. ## Core Functions - Monitoring perceived failures or threats - Attempting cognitive control over distress ## Key Components - Recurrence of negative self-referential thought - Difficulty disengaging from internal focus ## Systems Interactions - Increased activity in default mode regions - Reduced attentional control from frontoparietal systems ## Clinical Relevance - Predicts onset and recurrence of major depressive episodes - Maintains shame and self-criticism ## Related Topics - [[Cognitive Biases]] - [[Depression]] - [[Default Mode Network (DMN)]]