A metacognitive model of problem drinking

Marcantonio M. Spada, Adrian Wells

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Previous research has demonstrated significant relationships between metacognition and problem drinking. In this study, we aimed to investigate further these relationships by testing the fit of a meta-cognitive model of problem drinking in a sample of 174 problem drinkers from a university student population. In the model presented, it is proposed that positive metacognitive beliefs about alcohol use and negative affect lead to alcohol use as a means of affect regulation. Positive metacognitive beliefs about alcohol use are also associated with a reduction in metacognitive monitoring which further contributes to alcohol use. Once alcohol use is initiated it brings a disruption in metacognitive monitoring leading to a continuation in drinking. Following a drinking episode, alcohol use is appraised as both uncontrollable and dangerous, which in turn strengthens negative metacognitive beliefs about alcohol use. These beliefs are associated with an escalation of negative affect, which acts as a trigger for further drinking. The specified relationships among these variables were examined by testing the fit of a path model. Results of this analysis indicated a good model fit consistent with predictions. The conceptual and clinical implications of these data are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)383-393
    Number of pages10
    JournalClinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
    Volume16
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Keywords

    • Alcohol use
    • Attention
    • Metacognition
    • Metacognitive model
    • Negative affect
    • Problem drinking

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