Module 6: Tracking Reassurance, Worry & Rumination
Module 6 will continue to track maladaptive behaviors that contribute to reinforcing chronic anxiety experiences. In this module, you will be introduced to the following maladaptive behaviors: reassurance seeking, worry, and rumination.
Key Therapy Concepts
Reassurance Seeking
-
Background: Reassurance seeking is when people repeatedly ask others for help or comfort to feel less anxious. For example, they might ask, "Am I okay?" or "Is this safe?" many times. While it might temporarily make them feel better, reassurance seeking is maladaptive because it keeps them dependent on others and prevents them from learning to manage their anxiety on their own. Over time, it can make their anxiety worse.
Chronic Worry
-
Background: Chronic worry is when people think about what might go wrong or imagine worst-case scenarios. They do this to try to prevent bad things from happening or to feel prepared. However, worry is a maladaptive behavior because it keeps their anxiety high and makes it harder to relax. Instead of helping, constant worry can make them feel more anxious and unable to focus on positive or calming thoughts.
Chronic Rumination
-
Background: Chronic rumination is when people keep thinking over the same worries or problems again and again. They might replay situations in their mind or dwell on what went wrong. While they hope it will help them find a solution, rumination is maladaptive because it keeps their anxiety high and makes it harder to move on or feel better. Instead of helping, it can make them feel more stressed and overwhelmed.
Module 6: Key Module Concepts
NA
Module 1: Homework Packet