The Relationship between Positive and Negative Affect, Narcissism, and Distress Tolerance with Rumination in Adolescent

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Bandargaz Branch, Bandargaz, Iran.

2 Assistant professor, Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Bandargaz Branch, Bandargaz, Iran.

3 Assistant professor, Department of Psychology Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran.

10.22098/jpc.2026.16687.1295

Abstract

Aim: The main objective of the current study was to examine the link between positive and negative emotions, narcissism, and distress tolerance about rumination among adolescent.



Method: The study adopted a descriptive correlational approach. The participants were selected from a population of 3000 students based on statistics provided by the education department for the academic year 2022-2023 in Behshahr city. 341 female high school students were selected using convenience sampling in the latter half of the academic year. The sample collected data using Watson, Clark, and Telger's (1988) positive and negative affect scales, Simonzo Gahr's (2005) distress tolerance scale, Nolen-Hoeksema's (1998) rumination scale, and Ames's (2006) narcissism scale. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 24 software, with Pearson correlation coefficient tests and stepwise regression being utilized.



Results: The study found that rumination is predicted by positive and negative affect, narcissism, and distress tolerance, with a moderate relationship among these variables. Narcissism contributes 4.44% to the variance in rumination while incorporating negative affect strengthens this connection. Together, narcissism and negative affect account for 74.4% of the changes in rumination, with increased negative affect leading to more rumination. Finally, distress tolerance explains an additional 4.4% of the variance.



Conclusion: Adolescents who feel happy and positive tend to be more social and have better physical health, leading to greater life satisfaction. Positive emotions help reduce stress and negative thinking, while negative emotions can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Keywords