Reexamining gender differences and the transdiagnostic boundaries of various conceptualizations of perseverative cognition.

Abstract

Research examining gender differences in perseverative cognition (repetitive, negative, and difficult-to-control thoughts) has focused on depressive rumination and internalizing syndromes. This study examines the transdiagnostic role of depressive rumination, anger rumination, and repetitive negative thinking across gender on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Utilizing an ethnoracially diverse sample (33% Black, 35% Latinx, 32% White non-Hispanic) of n = 1,187 young adults (49.5% women), we found equivalent instrument functioning across gender for depressive rumination (specifically brooding), anger rumination, and internalizing problems. Differential item functioning was found for repetitive negative thinking and externalizing problems; partial metric and scalar invariance were established for repetitive negative thinking, and partial metric invariance was established for externalizing problems. After accounting for bias in measurement, women engaged in more perseverative cognition, though effects were small for brooding and anger rumination and large for repetitive negative thinking. Different types of perseverations were positively associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms across gender. Perseverative cognition may be a transdiagnostic mechanism beyond internalizing problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).