Turning inward too far may worsen mental health, study finds

A meta-analysis of 39 studies (about 12,500 adults) finds that high self-reflection does not boost happiness and is linked to higher anxiety and depression, with effects varying by measurement tools and culture. Positive mental health showed no clear benefit, while negative mental health indicators rose—especially when rumination-focused tests were used. The researchers call for better measurement tools and longitudinal work to clarify causality and guide therapy.