The multi-level theory of mind postulates that risk of recurrence and relapse to depression is related to the tendency to engage in repetitive ruminative processing while an individual’s ability to “decenter” or relate to their thoughts from a broader perspective serves as a protective factor. An important aspect of the multi-level theory of mind that remains unexplored is how trait rumination, cognitive reactivity and decentering relate to one another within this multi-level theory of mind.
The primary objective of this study was to examine whether decentering in the context of a mood-priming challenge remained beneficial for individuals who varied on trait rumination. The second aim sought to examine the relationship of trait decentering to recovery from a negative mood induction and mood priming challenge infused with and without stimuli designed to increase awareness of a wider context.
A sample of 58 college students completed questionnaires, a negative mood induction, and either a decentering or control version of the mood-priming task. Counter to expectations, decentering did not promote mood repair among individuals who varied on trait rumination. Similarly, no support was found for the hypothesized association between trait decentering and mood repair. A number of exploratory hypothesis were examined. Results indicated that greater depressive symptoms and level of trait rumination was associated with significantly less mood repair. Limitations, clinical implications, and future direction are discussed.