Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life
“Groundbreaking research . . . Women Who Think Too Much tells why overthinking occurs, why it hurts people, and how to stop.” —USA Today
It’s no surprise that our fast-paced, overly self-analytical culture is pushing many people—especially women—to spend countless hours thinking about negative ideas, feelings, and experiences. Renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema...more
It’s no surprise that our fast-paced, overly self-analytical culture is pushing many people—especially women—to spend countless hours thinking about negative ideas, feelings, and experiences. Renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
February 1st 2004
by Holt Paperbacks
(first published February 5th 2003)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
555)
Feb 20, 2012
Lastoadri .
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-i-own,
2012
I don't know why it is titled : "Women who think too much". I think the book is relevant to both men and women.
I am really glad to have read this book.. it doesn't really answer all questions, but it gives good advises to beat overthinking..
I am sure, I shall read it again some time soon.
The best thing about it is mainly the case studies, and life scenarios. It makes ideas very clear, as if I am living each situation exactly. Most probably the reactions mentioned would be exactly my reaction if...more
I am really glad to have read this book.. it doesn't really answer all questions, but it gives good advises to beat overthinking..
I am sure, I shall read it again some time soon.
The best thing about it is mainly the case studies, and life scenarios. It makes ideas very clear, as if I am living each situation exactly. Most probably the reactions mentioned would be exactly my reaction if...more
Some of the case studies in the book really annoyed me; as another reviewer said, is it necessary for us to know the eye and hair color of all of the women discussed? No.
That said, I did appreciate the straightforward manner that Nolen-Hoeksema approaches the over thinking problem and practical tips for managing it. As a chronic ruminator, it was helpful to me to realize that I am not solving problems by thinking about them all the time; instead I am making them worse. Obviously not all of her...more
Was looking for more of science oriented view, but got self-help with a scientific basis instead. Mildly interesting, especially if perseverating is an issue for you. Sort of got bogged down in case studies. Certain of the basic premises were worth a look: "overthinking" is a modern malaise and a female one for the most part. Overthinking is ruminating way too much over things that do not go right in one's life. The author's belief is that this is a natural function of the way the brain works in...more
Sep 20, 2009
Julie
added it
I started reading this book because it was in the recommended reading section in the back of Jean Twenge's great book Generation Me. However, I found it a little too "self-help-y" for my taste. I liked Twenge's more observational approach, which gave me a lot to think about.
The concept is interesting though: in the past people didn't "overthink" their lives. Past generations simply accepted the hand life dealt to them and put the rest in God's hands. Younger generations seem to dwell on and vis...more
The concept is interesting though: in the past people didn't "overthink" their lives. Past generations simply accepted the hand life dealt to them and put the rest in God's hands. Younger generations seem to dwell on and vis...more
Really good book. I read it in the library cuz it caught my eye because lately I have been over thinking my relationship with my bf. And it was very helpful. Made me feel better and I actually was taking a walk to try and clear my mind and ended up at the bookstore. So what she says about doing something for urself helps u not over think so much is so true. Not being so clingy giving ur partner space and not always trying to fix ur relationship or over analyzing every little thing he does. I rec...more
very obtuse book.
excerpt:
women who bank everything on pleasing their mates and maintaining their relationship with them are especially vulnerable to frequent overthinking. any little indication that he is not happy can send them into frantic worrying about 'wat does it mean? what is he feeling? what can i do to make it better?" deep down inside they may resent their own sense of dependence on their partners. Feeling unappreciated and unaffirmed for all they do just gives them more to overthink.
T...more
excerpt:
women who bank everything on pleasing their mates and maintaining their relationship with them are especially vulnerable to frequent overthinking. any little indication that he is not happy can send them into frantic worrying about 'wat does it mean? what is he feeling? what can i do to make it better?" deep down inside they may resent their own sense of dependence on their partners. Feeling unappreciated and unaffirmed for all they do just gives them more to overthink.
T...more
I liked this fine. It was a perfectly harmless and extremely accessible read that occasionally left me feeling vaguely motivated to overcome the chronic overthinking that I am evidently afflicted with. Only for about a five minutes at a time, but I suspect that's because I am a hopeless case and not because Nolen-Hoeksema doesn't know what she's talking about. She probably does, and I was charmed/inadvertently amused by the little exemplary narratives her book is full of ('Take, for example, Ver...more
Feb 03, 2009
Emily
is currently reading it
I thought this book would help me realize why I suck at dating, instead it just made me think Susan Nolen-Hoeksema sucks at life. This book is dumb, although it did help me realize I am not an over thinker in relationships I actually have the opposite problem of not thinking through relationships enough. I suggest this to no one.
This is a book aimed at women who ruminate too much. The author identifies patterns in thinking that can lead to rumination and unrealistic expectations or fears, then offers fictional examples in which women overcome these thoughts. I feel like I've read books on this topic that are far more interesting, but it's a very accessible book for people who haven't read much on the topics of anxiety or cognitive-behavioral psychology.
A great book to dip in and out of. I believe lots of women are guilty for 'over-thinking', and through personal experience, it can really cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. This book talks about lots of different women's experiences, and different ways to overcome such an affliction.
A great book to read if you fall or spiral into the category of negative thinking, or rumination. There are explanations for why people do this, and how to stop. I immediately ordered myself a copy after finishing the book.
Some of the suggestions might seem straightforward, but it's great to have everything in one place.
Some of the suggestions might seem straightforward, but it's great to have everything in one place.
Strategies for overcoming recurring worrying thoughts about oneself and one's relationships. These include exercise, creating distractions, talking to others and writing down worries - so nothing very new. The sample cases were interesting, if only to confirm that I don't really have this problem.
This book is aimed at those women who, like me, wake up in the middle of the night and feel anguished about everything in their lives: the bills that are late, the cost of living, the lack of power they have over their situation, the children, etc. Not a bad read.
Really gives you lots to think about!! Very good ideas how to overcome negative thinking, reach higher ground and resolve problems. The case histories illustrated the way to practise the methods given and were in themselves good to read. Even if you have not experienced exactly what each person went through, you can still identify with their initial (usually negative) reactions and responses and their reflective thinking and practising methods to improve situations.
Yes, it is a self-help book b...more
Yes, it is a self-help book b...more
It points out a lot of women's emotional problems and how to think more rationally. It's very scientific and practical.
LIFE CHANGING. Can't get enough. Need to read her other book now. Its amazing to hear a feminist psychologist talk about issues for both the self and society.
Feb 15, 2012
Pratikshya
added it
i am thinking too much at this stage so i think this book is helpful for me.
This book saved my life!
Helpful in understanding whether you think too much and how to cope with that. Most women I know tend to have this issue and I think it's important to recognize and acknowledge the problem, while trying to keep it under control.
I think my first problem I had with this book is that Dr. Nolen-Hoeksema felt the need to tone down her research about Rumination and call it "Overthinking". That is annoying. A non-psychologist can get what rumination means, dude. I thought that this book was a very toned-down version of David Burn's "Feeling Good" book and the rumination exercises weren't that stellar.
I admit I skimmed because the book was too nonfictiony for me. Part I had a few interesting insights about why we overthink. Part II was most helpful with strategies to overcome over thinking. I didn't read part III because I didn't see the point in reading over 100 pages about triggers. The first two parts of the book were enough for me.
Mar 07, 2008
Carol
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who thinks too much or over analyzes
Recommended to Carol by:
Jeanna
Shelves:
self-improvement
Distract youself when you start overthinking. Overthinking can lead to a downward spiral and cause a person to make poor decisions based on false ideas. The book was a bit wordy but worth a quick read.
Jan 28, 2009
Lou Ann
added it
Stop overthinking everything! duh.....
Some of the advice is cheesy, but the overall concept is solid--sometimes you just need someone to ask you what your real priority is--being "right", or being happy.
This really resonated with me, as I am a classic overthinker. Some of it was repetitive, but maybe it takes a little repetition to drive the point home!
Yep, this is definitely me. Hoping to learn some good strategies for getting out of my own head...
This book was redundant... had a few key/helpful points.
For men as well. This is breakthrough science.
Nov 25, 2012
missk
added it
I am still thinking too much :P
This book was pretty good.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
![Abnormal Psychology [With Mindmap CD-ROM and Powerweb]](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1172583538m/193357.jpg "Abnormal Psychology [With Mindmap CD-ROM and Powerweb]")
Feb 22, 2012 07:19am
Jan 07, 2013 05:23pm