Effectiveness of Rumination-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on cognitive functions in adults with high levels of rumination

Abstract

Background: Empirical evidence and theoretical approaches suggest that rumination and cognitive dysfunction are interrelated. Individuals with high rumination often display dysfunction in different cognitive abilities such as attention and memory. In this study, we attempted to peruse how Rumination-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which has proven effective in reducing rumination, influences different cognitive abilities. In a pretest-posttest design, the therapy group received twelve weeks of therapy while the assessment group received no treatment. We tested Attentional control, working memory, and iconic memory before and after the treatment. Results: Treatment successfully decreased rumination and significantly improved performance in the iconic memory task. Individuals who received the treatment recalled more items correctly, and the number of false recalls was reduced compared to the assessment group. No significant effect on working memory was observed, and only anecdotal evidence for enhancing attentional control function. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that Rumination-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can improve specific cognitive functions like memory and attention in adults with high levels of rumination.