Tomasz Lemmens

Research

I graduated in 2024 with a Master's in Clinical Psychology from VUB.

My current research topic focuses on rumination, a significant transdiagnostic factor that contributes to various psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety. It is characterized by a tendency to get stuck in a loop of self-focused negative thoughts, without engaging in active problem-solving. While many current treatments focus on managing these thought patterns, breaking this cycle remains challenging. I am investigating how sustained attention to ruminative thoughts might contribute to their persistence by exploring whether engaging with distressing thoughts may unintentionally amplify them. I will also examine whether allowing these thoughts to fade from attention naturally could be a more effective approach.

Supervisors

Prof. Dr. Natacha Deroost

Prof. Dr. Kris Baetens