We present the structural validity of the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS) in two samples: a community sample of 536 individuals and a clinical sample of 97 individuals. An exploratory factor analysis isolated three factors that explained 57.5% of the variance after rotation; a confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit of the data to a model composed of three factors, which we called 1) angry memories (α = .90), 2) analysis of past anger events (α = .88), and 3) thoughts of revenge (α = .76). A multigroup CFA showed that the structural validity of the ARS had metric invariance by gender, age group (i.e., younger than 25 years vs. or older than 25 years) and sample type (i.e., community vs. clinical sample). As regards incremental validity, once depressive rumination was controlled for, angry memories and analysis of past anger events predicted anxiety and depression symptoms. Results are discussed according to the studies reviewed. We suggest that anger rumination and depressive rumination are repetitive processes that should be taken into account when assessing anxiety and mood disorders.

Los estudios constatan el papel de la rumia depresiva como un amplificador del estado de ánimo negativo, sin embargo, se conoce menos sobre la rumia relacionada con el afecto positivo. Presentamos la validez de constructo y propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario “Respuestas al afecto positivo” (RAP) en una muestra de 302 personas de la población general (55,2% mujeres), con edades entre los 18 y 68 años (M= 28,6; DT= 12,0). Los análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio indican una estructura de dos factores: rumia positiva centrada en la emoción y en la persona (α= 0,88) y amortiguación (α= 0,83), ambos con una adecuada invarianza configural, métrica y escalar por sexo. Los dos factores presentan una adecuada validez convergente, discriminante e incremental con constructos relacionados con el afecto negativo y positivo. Los resultados se discuten atendiendo a los estudios revisados y se propone el RAP como instrumento de evaluación en procedimientos terapéuticos que tratan de potenciar el afecto positivo y el bienestar psicológico.

Previous studies confirm the role of depressive rumination in the exacerbation of negative mood. However, less is known about rumination in relation to positive affect. We present the construct validity and psychometric properties of the Responses to Positive Affect (RAP) questionnaire in a sample of 302 people from the general population (55.2% female), aged 18-68 years (M= 28.6, SD= 12.0). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicate a two-factor structure: emotion- and person-centered positive rumination (α= .88) and buffering (α= .83), both with adequate configural, metric and scalar invariance by sex. The two factors present adequate convergent, discriminant and incremental validity with constructs related to negative and positive affect. The results are discussed according to the studies reviewed and the RAP is proposed as an assessment instrument in therapeutic procedures that seek to enhance positive affect and psychological well-being.