The Costs and Benefits of Co‐Rumination

Abstract A common belief is that talking about problems makes us feel better. In fact, seeking social support is related to well‐being. However, if taken to a perseverative extreme, talking about problems can become problematic. The construct of co‐rumination was developed to address this idea. Co‐rumination refers to talking excessively about problems and is characterized by rehashing problems, speculating about problems, and dwelling on negative feelings. Co‐rumination is typically studied in children’s and adolescents’ friendships and has adjustment trade‐offs. Like rumination, co‐rumination is associated with internalizing symptoms. However, co‐rumination also is associated with having high‐quality relationships, presumably due to social sharing. In this article, I review what it means to co‐ruminate; how co‐rumination is assessed; the roles of age, gender, and relationship context; associations with adjustment; and the role of interpersonal stress and problems. I close by considering directions for research and applied implications.