An exploration of the presence and content of metacognitive beliefs about depressive rumination in Pakistani women

Abstract

To explore the experience of depression in Pakistani women, the coping strategies employed, and the presence and content of metacognitive beliefs about rumination. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with Pakistani women and analysed using template analysis with the inclusion of a priori themes. Women's experiences of depression consisted of descriptions of physical, behavioural, and psychological symptoms, as well as their understandings of depression including being alone with their problems and the factors that caused their depression. Coping strategies they employed included talking to someone, distraction; using antidepressant medication and positive self-talk. Consideration of rumination included descriptions of the content being largely past-focused and around 'why?'. Both negative and positive beliefs about rumination were revealed. Depression was seen as a very lonely experience, which had an impact on their physical and psychological health. Women demonstrated an understanding of the interplay between their emotional experience, ways of thinking, physical health, and behaviour. On the whole, results were consistent with the clinical metacognitive model of depression in that both positive and negative beliefs about rumination were evident for most of the women. However, positive beliefs did not appear to be as universally endorsed as previous findings have found - possible explanations are discussed. Clinical implications and ideas for future research are outlined.