Girls really should stop complaining about their problems with their pals, for a new study has found that those who do so, are at a greater risk of developing anxiety and depression.
Amanda Rose, associate professor of psychological sciences in the College of Arts and Science conducted the study, which was carried out over a period of six months.The study, which included 813 third, fifth, seventh and ninth grade students - boys and girls - examined the effects of co-rumination - excessively talking with friends about problems and concerns.
Rose found that girls co-ruminate more than boys, especially in their teens, and that they are also the ones who are most likely to be more depressed and anxious.
"When girls co-ruminate, they're spending such a high percentage of their time dwelling on problems and concerns that it probably makes them feel sad and more hopeless about the problems because those problems are in the forefront of their minds. Those are symptoms of depression," Rose said.
"In terms of anxiety, co-ruminating likely makes them feel more worried about the problems, including about their consequences. Co-rumination also may lead to depression and anxiety because it takes so much time - time that could be used to engage in other, more positive activities that could help distract youth from their problems.
"This is especially true for problems that girls can't control, such as whether a particular boy likes them, or whether they get invited to a party that all of the popular kids are attending," she added.
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Rose also noted that though co-rumination was related to increased depression and anxiety, it was also associated with positive friendship quality, including feelings of closeness between friends.
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"For years, we have encouraged kids to find friends who they can talk to about their problems, and with whom they can give and receive social support. In general, talking about problems and getting social support is linked with being healthy. What's intriguing about theses findings is that co-rumination likely represents too much of a good thing. Some kids, especially girls, are taking talking about problems to an extreme. When that happens, the balance tips, and talking about problems with friends can become emotionally unhealthy," she said.
Rose said adolescents should be encouraged to talk about their problems, but only in moderation and without co-ruminating. "They also should engage in other activities, like sports, which can help them take their minds off their problems, especially problems that they can't control," she said.
The study, "Prospective Associations of Co-Rumination With Friendship and Emotional Adjustment: Considering the Socioemotional Trade-Offs of Co-rumination," will be published in the July issue of Development Psychology.
Source-ANI
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