Background: Negative cognitive activity such as maladaptive repetitive thinking is not only experienced by individuals with a mental disorder, but also by the general population. However, not many...Show moreBackground: Negative cognitive activity such as maladaptive repetitive thinking is not only experienced by individuals with a mental disorder, but also by the general population. However, not many studies on this phenomenon include non-clinical samples, which causes a moderate gap in the field of research. This study focuses on the general student population to examine the relationship between academic stress, attentional control, maladaptive repetitive thinking, and sleep difficulty in an attempt to bridge the current gap. Previous research findings indicate a close link between these variables, as well as detrimental consequences when they play a significant role in one’s life. Methods: This study incorporated online survey data from 50 students of Leiden University to investigate the associations between academic stress, attentional control, maladaptive repetitive thinking, and sleep difficulty. Results: An increase in perceived academic stress predicted an increase in maladaptive repetitive thinking, while a decrease in attentional control capacity predicted an increase in maladaptive repetitive thinking. An increase in perceived academic stress and poor attentional control together predicted an increase in maladaptive repetitive thinking. And lastly, an increase in maladaptive repetitive thinking did not predict an increase in experienced sleep difficulty. Discussion: Limitations include a small sample size that decreases this study’s generalizability. However, this study contributes to information that brings awareness to the detrimental effects of maladaptive repetitive thinking. Conclusion: This study should inform people on the importance of providing the general (student) population with interventional strategies to potentially protect them against the consequences of maladaptive repetitive thinking.Show less
