Document Type
Honors Project
Publication Date
6-5-2024
Abstract
Rumination, which involves passively dwelling on negative thoughts and emotions, is associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression, serving as a transdiagnostic risk factor for the development of psychopathology. Due to its internalized process, rumination is typically measured with self-report; however, children are not always able to self-report. Because of this, we developed and evaluated a caregiver report of child rumination. Participants in Study 1 included 54 pairs of caregivers (83.3% mothers) and children (68.5% girls) ages 9-11 (M age =10.07, SD = .80; 83.3% White). Children completed self-report measures of rumination and depressive symptoms. Caregivers completed demographic questions, a report of child mental health symptoms and rumination, using the measure we developed. Results indicated a moderate correlation between children’s report of rumination and their caregiver's report. This study revealed that caregivers can accurately report on their child’s rumination. Next, we wanted to test whether the measure could predict symptom changes over time. In Study 2, children and caregivers completed measures of child rumination and child symptoms (depression and anxiety) at baseline and again, 3 weeks later. Children completed self-report measures of rumination, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Caregivers completed demographic questions, the caregiver report of child rumination, a report of child depressive symptoms, a report of child anxiety symptoms, a report of child emotion regulation, caregivers’ rumination, and caregiver depression. This study is in progress. A primary limitation of these studies is the lack of diversity in both samples which may limit generalizability. However, this measure will allow clinicians to identify children at risk to mitigate future psychopathology and give children access to crucial resources.
Level of Honors
magna cum laude
Department
Psychology
Advisor
Lori Hilt
Recommended Citation
Fox, Grace E., "Can Caregivers Accurately Report on their Child's Rumination?" (2024). Lawrence University Honors Projects. 194.
https://lux.lawrence.edu/luhp/194