Rumination
Rumination is the tendency to dwell passively and repetitively on your distress — its causes, meanings and consequences — going over the same thoughts again and again without moving toward any solution.
Full definition of Rumination →:: COMPARE ::
RuminationvsOverthinking
The short answer
Overthinking is the everyday word for thinking too much about anything at all. Rumination is the narrower psychological term: repetitive, passive dwelling on your own distress, circling the pain rather than the way out.
Side by side
| Aspect | Rumination | Overthinking |
|---|---|---|
| Register | A psychological term | An everyday word |
| Focus | Your own distress | Any decision or worry |
| Movement | Circles, no exit | May reach a decision |
| Associated with | Low mood and anxiety | Tiredness, indecision |
What each one means
Overthinking
The contrast above sets out how Overthinking differs from Rumination on the points that actually matter.