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Rumination and self-esteem are pivotal in mental health research. Existing studies indicate that there is an association between rumination and self-esteem, however, there is a lack of evidence for bidirectional influences. This study employed longitudinal and diary methods to investigate their bidirectional influences. The initial phase involved a two-wave survey, conducted over a year, with 1157 participants to examine the bidirectional predictive relationship between rumination and self-esteem. Cross-Lagged Panel Model (CLPM) indicated that baseline rumination could forecast subsequent self-esteem levels, and vice versa. To reduce recall bias, the second phase involved a 28-day diary study with 185 participants, revealing that daily fluctuations in rumination could predict the following day's self-esteem, and similarly, daily self-esteem levels could predict the next day's rumination. This research elucidates the bidirectional influences between rumination and self-esteem, introducing a bidirectional spiral ascension model. This model holds significant theoretical implications for mental health research.
Key words: rumination, self-esteem, longitudinal tracking method, diary method
Introduction
Rumination and self-esteem are crucial in understanding mental health and well-being, and are integral to addressing psychological disorders. Rumination, defined as a repetitive, passive cognitive process, involves a persistent focus on the symptoms, causes, and consequences of psychological distress. Characterized by continuous self-reflection and concern, it is often linked with negative emotions and cognitive patterns, such as incessant preoccupation with worries and problems, leading to a feeling of entrapment (Barba et al., 2022). Research demonstrates its association with various mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety (Olatunji et al., 2013; Riley et al., 2019). Rumination not only aggravates existing psychological distress but also contributes to the persistence and recurrence of mental health problems (Treynor et al., 2003; Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 2008; Spasojevič et al., 2001). Conversely, self-esteem, the overall evaluation of one's worth and abilities, is linked with positive emotional states, life satisfaction, and overall well-being when high, and with psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, and social phobia when low (Harris et al., 2020; Orth et al., 2014). Self-esteem not only shapes self-perception but also influences resilience and coping mechanisms in the face of life's stressors and challenges (Barba et al., 2022).
Existing research underscores a bidirectional relationship between rumination and self-esteem. At the trait level, their interrelation is evident (Eikey et al., 2021), and they have...