Maladaptive repetitive thought and chronic stress: The innocent unhealthy use of the power of Thought
Thomas M Kelley
Citation: Kelley, T. M. (2025). Maladaptive repetitive thought and chronic stress: The innocent unhealthy use of the power of thought. International Journal of Stress Prevention and Wellbeing, 9, 2, 1-9. https://www.stressprevention.net/volume/volume-9-2025/volume-9-article-2
Processing dates: Submitted: 16th August 2024; Re-submitted: 11th January 2025; Accepted: 16th January 2025; Published: 4th September 2025
Abstract
Purpose: A large literature shows a robust association between maladaptive repetitive thought (MRT) and chronic mental stress. However, several gaps in clarity in the repetitive thought literature prevent a precise understanding of MRT and compromise the efficacy of its prevention and treatment. Here, the author attempts to clarify the precipitants, motivators, maintaining factors, and outcomes of MRT using the lens of a new perspective that views Thought as a principle or power that all people use to create psychological experience.
Methods: First, several gaps in clarity in the repetitive thought literature regarding MRT are identified. Then, the understanding of Thought as a principle or power is explained and this understanding of Thought is used to clarify these gaps.
Results: The author concludes that researchers are unclear about the precipitants, motivators, maintaining factors, and discrepant outcomes of MRT for the same reason that, despite the
negative outcomes, people continue to engage in MRT— an insufficient understanding of the power of Thought and the way people’s use of this power creates their psychological experience and relates with their mental health.
Conclusion: The intervention grounded in this understanding of Thought is described and preliminary evidence is presented in support of its efficacy for reducing MRT and chronic stress and improving mental health.
Keywords: maladaptive repetitive Thought; the principle of Thought; innate mental health; original thought, psychopathology
Biographies
Thomas M Kelley is Emeritus Professor, The Emeritus Academy (Formerly in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice), Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
48202, USA. He is also a Michigan Licensed Psychologist.
Email: aa5216@wayne.edu
Phone (cell): 248-227-1757
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5285-8581