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Desire thinking: what is it and what drives it?
Gabriele Caselli1, Marcantonio M Spada2
1Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School, Milano, Italy.
Addictive Behaviors
|August 17, 2014
Summary
This study tested a metacognitive model of desire thinking and craving in addictive behaviors. Findings support metacognitive theory
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Desire thinking and craving are key components in addictive behaviors.
- Perseveration of desire thinking requires explanation within a cognitive framework.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of desire thinking.
- To test a metacognitive model explaining desire thinking and craving perseveration.
- To examine the role of metacognitions in addictive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with clinical and community samples (total N = 987).
- Path models were used to examine relationships among variables.
- Model fit was tested within each sample.
Main Results:
- The proposed metacognitive model showed good fit in clinical samples.
- Positive metacognitions about desire thinking were linked to imaginal prefiguration and verbal perseveration.
- Verbal perseveration was associated with negative metacognitions and craving, indicating pathological escalation.
Conclusions:
- Metacognitive theory effectively explains desire thinking and craving in addictive behaviors.
- Findings support the application of metacognitive principles to understand and treat addiction.
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