Physiological predictors of ruminative thinking as an adaptive norm

  • O. V. Baiguzhina South Ural State University (76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4292-321X baiguzhinaov@susu.ru
  • V. A. Chinarev 1) Regional Clinical Specialized Neuropsychiatric Hospital No. 1 (2A Kuznetsova str., Chelyabinsk, 454087, Russia); 2) South Ural State Medical University (64 Vorovsky str., Chelyabinsk, 454092, Russia) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3471-5293 v.chinarev@okspnb.ru
  • A. P. Pavlova South Ural State Medical University (64 Vorovskiy St., Chelyabinsk, 454092, Russia) pavlovaap19@mail.ru
  • P. A. Baiguzhin South Ural State University (76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5092-0943 baiguzhinpa@susu.ru
Keywords: ruminative thinking, adaptive norm, heart rate variability, default mode network, EEG theta rhythm, physiological inhibition

Abstract

Ruminative thinking has long been studied within the context of the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety disorders. Modern scholars identify adaptive components within its structure (reflexive immersion, concrete experiential mode), enabling them to analyze rumination as a phenomenon of psychological and physiological normality. Aims. This paper provides a theoretical analysis and synthesis of physiological predictors of ruminative thinking as an adaptive norm. Materials and methods. The theoretical analysis involved 79 publications from peer-reviewed journals indexed in the PubMed and Science Direct databases over the period 1991–2026. The following keywords were used as selection criteria: “rumination”, “ruminative thinking”, “adaptive rumination”, “default mode network”, “heart rate variability”, “EEG theta”, “cortisol”, and their combinations. Results. The following levels of physiological predictors were identified and described: neuroanatomical, autonomic, neurohumoral, and neurodynamic. Physiological inhibitory systems responsible for recovery following a ruminative episode were also described. The key difference between adaptive norms and pathology was recognized to be the presence of negative feedback that limits the duration of a ruminative episode, rather than the absence of stress system activation. Conclusions. Normative ruminative thinking is a time-limited process with a specific onset, limited duration, and physiologically mediated inhibition. The proposed theoretical model provides a foundation for subsequent psychophysiological research using a personalized approach to data interpretation

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Author Biographies

O. V. Baiguzhina , South Ural State University (76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia)

Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Athletic Performance Enhancement, Institute of Sport, Tourism and Service

V. A. Chinarev , 1) Regional Clinical Specialized Neuropsychiatric Hospital No. 1 (2A Kuznetsova str., Chelyabinsk, 454087, Russia); 2) South Ural State Medical University (64 Vorovsky str., Chelyabinsk, 454092, Russia)

1) psychiatrist, Head of the ninth men's clinical psychiatric department of the primary episode; 2) assistant of the Department of Psychiatry

A. P. Pavlova , South Ural State Medical University (64 Vorovskiy St., Chelyabinsk, 454092, Russia)

Student, Faculty of Medicine

P. A. Baiguzhin , South Ural State University (76 Lenin Ave., Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia)

Doctor of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor, Leading Researcher, Research Center for Sports Science, Institute of Sports

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References on translit

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Published
2026-06-30
How to Cite
Baiguzhina, O., Chinarev, V., Pavlova, A., & Baiguzhin, P. (2026). Physiological predictors of ruminative thinking as an adaptive norm. Psychology. Psychophysiology, 19(2), 91-102. https://doi.org/10.14529/jpps260209
Section
Human Physiology