Repetitive thoughts are linked to a series of psychological difficulties. Hence the interest in being able to better dominate them.
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Journalist at the Economy department
By Mathieu ColinetPublished on 15/11/2024 at 08:39
Reading time: 4 min
QWho hasn’t experienced these moments when the brain goes into “automatic mode” and rehashes the same thoughts over and over again? In everyday language, we talk about ruminations. In psychology too, even if, under the term, specialists on the subject make a distinction between anxious worries and depressive ruminations. “The first express themselves in relation to the future and what uncertainties it may hold,” explains Céline Douilliez, professor of psychology (UCLouvain). “The latter, on the other hand, relate to the past and its negative experiences. In both cases, however, we are faced with thoughts that loop. »
Ruminating is “normal” when a difficulty arises. “When we perceive a gap between what we experience and what we want to experience, we try to understand, to find solutions: it’s a normal process,” explains Céline Douilliez. “Ruminating becomes dysfunctional when thoughts take up too much space and we are no longer able to disengage from them. »
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