The Transdiagnostic Role of Rumination in the Comorbidity of PTSD and Depression

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are highly comorbid. Common factors that exist in both disorders could explain disorder co-occurrence. In the present study, we examined the role of rumination as a potential shared factor within PTSD and MDD in a sample of military personnel deployed in armed conflict areas. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted for PTSD and MDD separately and then controlling for rumination. Results indicated that a significant amount of variance between PTSD and depression, both at the item- and factor-level, could be explained by rumination. Findings indicate that rumination, as a transdiagnostic mechanism present in both PTSD and MDD, could account for disorder comorbidity.

Keywords:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• major depressive disorder
• comorbidity
• rumination
• transdiagnostic

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The dataset used in the study is available from the second author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Norman B. Mendoza

Norman B. Mendoza is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Education University of Hong Kong and a co-founder of LifeRisksPH—a non-profit youth organization registered under the Philippines’ National Youth Commission focused on mental health and well-being. His research interests are at the cusps of psychology and education across populations.

Imelu G. Mordeno

Imelu G. Mordeno is a Professor at the Department of Professional Education, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. His research interests are in mental health, functionality, and human flourishing.

Ma. Jenina N. Nalipay

Ma. Jenina N. Nalipay is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has done research on mental health and well-being across various populations.