An Examination of the Relationship between Stress, Cognitive Rumination, Depression and Meditation

The present study examines the relationships between stress, cognitive rumination, depression, and meditation. Two theoretical frameworks regarding stress were addressed: Selye's physiological aspects of stress and Lazarus' (Lazarus & Folkman) appraisal and coping concepts of stress. The Daily Hassles Scale (Lazarus & Folkman, 1989) was used to assess frequency and severity of minor stressors. In addition, the study addressed cognitive rumination using Nolen Hoeksema's theoretical framework relating rumination to depression. The Short Response Style Questionnaire was used to assess rumination. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck, Steer, & Brown). Furthermore, the study explored whether meditation was associated with reduced stress, rumination, or depression. As predicted, stress, rumination, and depression were found to be positively correlated. The correlations between meditation and the experimental variables were in the direction predicted but not significant. Meditators as a group scored lower than nonmeditators on stress and depression but not on rumination. Demographic variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, income, years of education, relationship status, and relationship satisfaction were analyzed. Statistical differences were found between males and females on depression. Those not in relationships were significantly higher on rumination than those not in relationships. Stress severity negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction, and meditation negatively correlated with income. Future research may need to operationally define “meditation,” so it has the same meaning for all participants. Future studies are also needed to examine the relationship between stress and rumination.