Rumination and Worry

Rumination and worry are cognitive processes characterized by repetitive, negative, and unproductive thoughts that are difficult to terminate. For many years, it was thought that children were incapable of rumination and worry. However, research shows that children can and do ruminate and worry, with most children experiencing nonpathological rumination and worry at times. Rumination and worry have the potential to become maladaptive and lead to psychological disorders such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as a range of other deleterious consequences. Research supports the efficacy of cognitive–behavioral therapy for child worry; however, effective treatment programs for child rumination have yet to be developed and tested. Various theories and models have attempted to conceptualize rumination and worry, with further pediatric research in the area clearly needed.