Co-ruminating increases stress hormone levels in women

The Effects of Empathy on Disparagement Humor

“…Prior research has found that corumination occurring in face-to-face communications was related to higher levels of cortisol and alpha amylase (Byrd-Craven et al, 2008). We expect that similar results would be obtained during communication regardless of the mode of communication (i.e., face-to-face vs. on a cellular phone vs. via a social-networking site).…”

“…Higher levels of corumination have been positively related to symptoms of depression and anxiety (Rose, 2002;Rose et al, 2007; see also Calmes & Roberts, 2008). Recent work has also shown that higher levels of corumination are related to higher levels of cortisol and alpha amylase, which are two biological indicators of stress (Byrd-Craven et al, 2008;Byrd-Craven et al, 2011). The purpose of the present research was to investigate the novelty of the extent to which individuals using Facebook engage in corumination and whether corumination carried out on Facebook is associated with health.…”

“…As new ways of communicating develop, there is a need to understand the effects that these new forms of communication may have on the health and well-being of individuals. Prior research has shown that some forms of interpersonal communication may be adversely associated with health and wellbeing (Byrd-Craven, Geary, Rose, & Ponzi, 2008;Byrd-Craven, Granger, & Auer, 2011;Calmes & Roberts, 2008;Rose, 2002;Rose, Carlson, & Waller, 2007). Rose (2002) identified a type of communication that focuses on negative topics, in which individuals excessively rehash problems, as corumination.…”

“…Recent work (Byrd-Craven et al, 2008;Byrd-Craven et al, 2010) has shown that corumination has biological consequences, which are likely related to negative health outcomes. In a study of young college women, Byrd-Craven et al (2008) found that higher levels of corumination occurring between friends were related to higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.…”

“…In a study of young college women, Byrd-Craven et al (2008) found that higher levels of corumination occurring between friends were related to higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. In a more recent study, Byrd-Craven et al (2011) found that higher levels of corumination were related to higher levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme associated with the stress response, as well as higher levels of cortisol.…”