When it comes to mental health , a problem shared can be a problem doubled
People discuss their problems with friends in the hope that they ’ ll gain some insight into how to solve them . And even if they don ’ t find a way to solve their problems , it feels good to let off some steam . Indeed , having close friends to confide in is a good buffer against poor mental health . How problems are discussed , though , can be the difference between halving a problem or doubling it . The term psychologists use for negative problem sharing is “ co-rumination ” Co-rumination is the mutual encouragement to discuss problems excessively , repeatedly going over the same problems , anticipating future problems and focusing on negative feelings . It is more about dwelling on problems than solving them .
Research shows that co-rumination is a double-edged sword . In a study involving children aged seven to 15 years of age , researchers found that corumination in both boys and girls is associated with “ high-quality ” and close friendships . However , in girls , it was also associated with anxiety and depression ( the same association was not found with the boys ). And studies suggest that co-rumination isn ’ t just a problem for girls . Corumination with work colleagues can increase the risk of stress and burn out , one study suggests . Maybe it ’ s not always helpful to have a good moan with a colleague .
How you co-ruminate matters too . In a group of adult the effects of corumination was compared between face-to-face contact , telephone contact , texting and social media . The positive effects of co-rumination ( closer friendships ) was found in face-to-face contact , telephone contact and texting , but not in social media . The negative aspects of co-rumination ( anxiety ) was found in face-to-face communication and telephone contact , but not texting or social media .
Verbal forms of communication seem to enhance both the positive and negative aspects of co-rumination more than non-verbal communication .