Negative emotions increase self-focused attention, a core feature of depression and anxiety-related
disorders. However, the cognitive mechanisms associated with the tendency to self-focus*and,
conversely, with the ability to voluntarily disengage attentional resources from the self and direct
them towards the external environment*remain poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed to
examine whether a specific cognitive control mechanism that directs attention between self-generated
thoughts and external information might moderate the relationship between dysphoria and
maladaptive self-referential thinking. Results showed that dysphoria increases the frequency of
rumination, self-blame, and catastrophising, especially for participants who have more difficulty in
switching from self-generated thoughts to information provided by the environment. These results
shed new light on the cognitive mechanisms underlying maladaptive self-referential thinking
associated with dysphoria. More specifically, this specific cognitive mechanism might play a key role
in the maintenance or amplification of a depressed mood