Developing a Cognitive-Emotional Model of Rumination for Psychosomatic Patients: A Study on National Bank Employees

The present study aimed to develop and validate a cognitive-emotional model for predicting rumination in psychosomatic patients, focusing on employees of the National Bank. This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population included 2,789 National Bank employees in Shiraz in 2020, from which a sample of 300 participants was selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Standardized instruments were used, including the Nijmegen Psychosomatic Symptoms Questionnaire, the Ruminative Responses Scale, Young’s Early Maladaptive Schemas Questionnaire, Rahim’s Conflict Resolution Inventory, the Cognitive Errors Questionnaire, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. Data were analyzed using maximum likelihood estimation within structural equation modeling, and model fit was assessed through multiple indices. Results indicated that cognitive errors and dysfunctional conflict resolution strategies were significantly associated with rumination. Early maladaptive schemas and experiential avoidance were confirmed as mediating variables in these relationships. The fit indices (CFI=0.912, RMSEA=0.058, χ²/df=2.88) supported the adequacy of the proposed model. Both direct and indirect effects of cognitive errors and dysfunctional conflict resolution strategies on rumination were significant at p<0.001. The proposed model highlights rumination in psychosomatic patients as a complex interaction of cognitive errors, dysfunctional conflict resolution strategies, early maladaptive schemas, and experiential avoidance. The findings provide valuable insights for developing psychological interventions aimed at reducing rumination and improving both mental and physical health in employees working under high-stress occupational environments.