The relationship between perseverative cognitions and mental health and physical health complaints among college students

Abstract

College students often experience health problems, but approaches are needed to determine those that are most vulnerable. This study examined whether perseverative cognitions (PCs) represent a common risk factor for poor health. Students (n = 489) completed measures of PCs, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, general mental health, and physical health complaints. Regressions indicated that PCs were associated with higher levels of PTSD symptomatology, poor mental health, and physical health complaints. Structural equation modeling analyses suggested that PTSD symptoms explain, in part, the association between PCs and physical health complaints. Results are discussed in terms of PCs as a risk stratifying factor.

Keywords

• perseverative cognitions
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• mental health
• physical health complaints
• college health