Co-rumination In Social Networks
Abstract
Although co-rumination is associated with positive relationship perceptions, individuals that engage in this behaviour often report fewer friends and peer difficulties. Those with a tendency to co-ruminate also report elevated levels of internalizing symptoms. Thus, the tendency to co-ruminate may put individuals at risk of depressive and anxious symptoms as well as social problems as they make the challenging transition to university and build new social networks. I analyzed social network data from 458 first year undergraduate students during their first university semester. Co-rumination within a particular relationship was associated with greater tie strength and socio-emotional multiplexity. Co-rumination was positively associated with depressive and anxious symptoms. Contrary to predictions, individuals with a tendency to co-ruminate did not differ from their peers in terms of network size and density. Results suggest that the negative impacts of co-rumination on social well-being may develop over time, rather than being apparent in the early stages of network building.