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Date of Award

Spring 2011

Document Type

Restricted Thesis: Campus only access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Catherine Bagwell

Abstract

The current study examines the adjustment trade-offs of co-rumination in mother- daughter relationships of college-age students. This social process of co-rumination is defined as “extensively discussing and revisiting problems, speculating about problems, and focusing on negative feelings” (Rose, 2002). This conversation process can lead to high relationship quality but may also bring about increases in depression and anxiety (Rose, Carlson, & Waller, 2007). The current study specifically analyzes the role of co- rumination in mother-daughter relationships during emerging adulthood and how this behavior affects the daughter’s and the mother’s depression and anxiety levels. Through self-report questionnaire data, this study also explores the relationship between mother- daughter co-rumination and parental enmeshment. Results indicate that mother-daughter co-rumination in undergraduate populations is significantly related to the daughter’s reports of relationship quality but is not significantly related to internalizing symptoms or parental enmeshment. However, daughters with lower quality friendships do report significantly higher levels of anxiety from co-rumination with their mothers. On the whole, daughter’s co-rumination with her best friend seemed to have more negative effects on the daughter, including negative friendship quality, anxiety, and depression.

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