(PS3-75) Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Group Exercise for Rumination in Asian-american Populations with Depression and Anxiety

Abstract Text: Mental health is a complex interplay of cognition, affect, and cultural nuances, with rumination emerging as a crucial aspect of perseverative thought. Defined as the persistent and repetitive processing of negative life events, rumination is characterized by individuals focusing relentlessly on symptoms of pain, contemplating causes and effects without actively seeking solutions to alter their environment (Carlucci et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2023). This mood-related ruminative response style becomes a poignant lens through which individuals navigate the aftermath of adversities, creating a cycle that draws attention to symptoms and their potential implications and consequences, particularly in the dysphoric state (Wilkinson et al., 2013). Rumination, characterized by the repetitive and chronic focus on negative thoughts and feelings, is a pivotal catalyst in the affective processes underlying depression and anxiety. This cognitive process, fixating on perceived issues, influences behaviors and thoughts, often veering toward the negative spectrum, thus playing a critical role in the onset and maintenance of various mental health disorders (Petwal et al., 2023). Interestingly, research has indicated that Asians may frequently experience depression and anxiety somatically (Kim et al., 2019; Hinton et al., 2009). Additionally, when exploring ethnic variations in rumination, it was found that Asian Americans engaged in more rumination than their European American counterparts. Despite higher levels of rumination, however, Asian Americans did not exhibit greater maladjustment than their European American counterparts, suggesting a unique and multifunctional role of rumination for this specific population (Bernard et al., 2023). In light of these unique combinations and considering previous studies showcasing the feasibility of interventions that integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches with group exercise to address anxiety and depression symptoms (Huang et al., 2015; Newcombe et al., 2003; McEntee et al., 1999), this poster proposes an intervention that utilizes such techniques on the Asian-American population for rumination in depression and anxiety. This intervention aims to bridge the gap in addressing mental health concerns specific to the Asian-American population by incorporating culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral therapy and group exercise strategies. The integration of these approaches not only acknowledges the cultural nuances prevalent in this demographic but also builds upon previous successful interventions targeting anxiety and depression symptoms.