The effects of mindfulness and positive fantasizing on rumination and depression: A network perspective

Kaiser, Clemens (2022) The effects of mindfulness and positive fantasizing on rumination and depression: A network perspective. Master's Thesis / Essay, Computational Cognitive Science.

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Abstract

In the past decade, network analysis has gained traction in the field of psychopathology. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been one of its main research targets. In this study, we extended existing research in several ways. Most importantly, unlike current research, which focuses on contemporaneous associations, we use momentary assessment data to investigate causal connections between symptoms. Additionally, we focus on rumination {--} a critical feature of MDD that has been largely overlooked in network studies. We start by comparing the networks of participants in remission from MDD (rMDD) with those of a control group (HC). Next, we show the respective effects of mindfulness and positive fantasizing interventions on a combined network. The results suggest that rumination is more critical in the network of the rMDD than the HC group. However, our permutation testing-based network comparison tests revealed statistically significant differences only in individual temporal connections (for example, self-loops of sadness and satisfaction). This may suggest that the mechanisms by which symptoms exacerbate and prolong each other differentiate healthy individuals from those prone to depression. Neither intervention resulted in statistically significant changes in the networks. Regression analysis showed that mindfulness effectively reduced negative affect in all participants, but significantly lowered rumination and increased positive affect only in healthy individuals.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Supervisor name:	Vugt, M.K. van and Besten, M.E.
Degree programme:	Computational Cognitive Science
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2022 15:30
Last Modified:	20 Dec 2022 15:30
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/29082

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