© 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. Previous studies have shown that rumination has two processing modes: abstract processing mode and concrete processing mode. Abstract processing mode is associated with risk factors for depression. However, the effects of abstract processing mode on the tendency to avoid difficult situations, which is characteristic of major depression, are not clear. Our aim was to elucidate these effects, using laboratory-based methods. Thirty-four university students were recruited and divided into two group conditions abstract processing mode or concrete processing mode rumination. First, participants attempted a mathematics failure task. After the task, participants were interviewed in order to induce each processing mode. After the interview, they attempted the same task and were told that they could stop at any time. Results showed that the abstract processing mode rather than concrete processing mode group showed increased commitment for the second task. This indicated that rumination processing modes may increase the tendency to avoid difficult situations.