Trajectories of Rumination and Negative Cognitive Style from Late Childhood Through Adolescence: Modeling Normative Growth Patterns and Predicting Cognitive Vulnerabilities.

Abstract

Negative cognitive style and rumination are prominent cognitive vulnerabilities (CVs) that contribute to development of psychopathology, especially internalizing problems. Yet, little is known about trajectories of CVs across development (age) and gender and what predicts CVs. This study characterized CV trajectories from ages 9-18 and investigated predictors of CV trajectories. Community youth (N=607; M _age=12.37; 55% girls) completed repeated assessments of CVs across three years; youth and parents were assessed for many CV predictors at baseline. Measurement invariance supported partial scalar for CVs across age and scalar invariance by gender. Quadratic age characterized rumination trajectories (decrease ages 9-12; increase ages 13-18); girls ruminated more than boys. Negative cognitive style showed no significant gender or age effects. Most baseline predictors (observed parental positive affect; youth temperament, personality disorder traits, coping, emotion regulation, internalizing symptoms, MDD history, and negative environmental contexts) predicted CV trajectories. Implications for theory and clinical application are discussed.