The bidirectional associations between state anger and rumination and the role of trait mindfulness

Abstract

Rumination is associated with exacerbated angry mood. Angry moods may also trigger rumination. However, research has not empirically tested the bidirectional associations of state rumination and anger, as experience sampling methodology can do. We predicted that state anger and rumination would be bi-directionally associated, both concurrently and over time, even controlling for trait anger and rumination. In addition, because mindfulness is associated with rumination and anger at the bivariate level, we examined the effect of trait mindfulness on the bidirectional association between state rumination and anger. We examined two hypotheses: (i) state rumination mediates the effect of trait mindfulness on state anger; and (ii) trait mindfulness weakens, or moderates, the bidirectional associations between state rumination and anger. In an experience-sampling study, 200 college students reported their current ruminative thinking and angry mood several times a day for 7 days. Mixed model analyses indicated that state anger and rumination predicted each other concurrently. In cross-lagged analyses, previous anger did not uniquely predict current rumination; previous rumination predicted current anger, although the effect was small. In support of our hypothesis, state rumination mediated the association between trait mindfulness and state anger. Additionally, trait mindfulness moderated the concurrent and cross-lagged associations between state rumination and anger, although the results were complex. This study contributes new information about the complex interplay of rumination and anger. Findings also add support to the theory that mindfulness decreases emotional reactivity. Aggr. Behav. 43:342-351, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rumination about discrimination mediates the unique association between anger and collective action intentions

“…Rumination can therefore be conceptualized as extended problem formulation, in which individuals search for information that will help them generate and evaluate explanations and solutions for group-level anger about collective disadvantage. In line with these theories, experience-sampling studies show that state-level rumination is triggered by individual emotions like anger and irritation (Borders & Lu, 2017; Moberly & Watkins, 2010).…”

“…Because theoretical arguments (e.g., Martin & Tesser, 1996) and existing empirical literature (Borders & Lu, 2017; Moberly & Watkins, 2010) already suggest that anger predicts subsequent rumination, we did not causally test this pathway of our mediational model. Future experiments could manipulate group-level anger and measure resulting rumination about perceived injustice.…”

State mindfulness, rumination, and emotions in daily life: An ambulatory assessment study

“…Researchers have found that rumination partially mediates the association between trait mindfulness and negative emotions such as hostility, anger, and aggression (Borders, Earleywine, & Jajodia, 2010;Borders & Lu, 2017). Researchers have found that rumination partially mediates the association between trait mindfulness and negative emotions such as hostility, anger, and aggression (Borders, Earleywine, & Jajodia, 2010;Borders & Lu, 2017).…”

“…Considering that rumination may play a central role in exacerbating negative emotions, mindfulness may counteract rumination. Researchers have found that rumination partially mediates the association between trait mindfulness and negative emotions such as hostility, anger, and aggression (Borders, Earleywine, & Jajodia, 2010;Borders & Lu, 2017). The impact of both trait and state mindfulness on aggressiveness was uniquely partially mediated by anger rumination (Eisenlohr-Moul, Peters, Pond, & DeWall, 2016).…”

Examining the Synergistic Effects of Two Transdiagnostic Vulnerability Factors in Relation to Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms and Disorders Among Latinos in a Community Health Care Setting

“…Past work suggests that positive rumination is not significantly associated with anxiety or depression (Eisner, Johnson, & Carver, 2009). Further support for this interactive model comes from past work among non-Hispanic Whites, which has found that trait mindfulness moderated associations between rumination and anger (Borders & Lu, 2017). In addition, individuals who are less mindful may be less equipped to regulate emotions in an adaptive manner (Remmers, Topolinski, & Koole, 2016), making them more likely to respond maladaptively (e.g., ruminate) and experience more severe anxiety/depression (Brennan, Barnhofer, Crane, Duggan, & Williams, 2015).…”