Perseverative cognition refers to the repetitive or sustained activation of thoughts about past stressors or anticipated future threats, triggering prolonged “fight-or-flight” responses even in non-clinical populations. Growing evidence shows that this persistent physiological activation can adversely affect health and contribute to the development of somatic and cardiovascular diseases, positioning perseverative cognition as a potential missing link between stress, psychopathology, and physical health risk. While its role in anxiety and mood disorders has long been recognized, the brain–body pathways through which repetitive thinking influences physiology have been largely overlooked. This Research Topic aims to provide an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge examination of neuroscientific research on the brain–body signatures of perseverative cognition in both healthy individuals and those with psychopathology, addressing a critical gap in understanding how embodied mental processes translate into health outcomes. Key Features: Defines perseverative cognition as a core mechanism linking stress, mental processes, and physical health Integrates neuroscience, psychology, and physiology to examine brain–body interactions Explores health consequences of chronic cognitive stress activation, including cardiovascular risk Addresses both clinical (anxiety, mood disorders) and non-clinical populations Highlights overlooked physiological pathways connecting repetitive thinking to disease risk Advances an embodied mind perspective to better understand stress-related health outcomes
