Meta-Cognition and Worry: A Cognitive Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- 1 July 1995
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
- Vol. 23 (3), 301-320
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s1352465800015897
Abstract
A meta-cognitive classification and analysis of factors contributing to the development of problematic worry is presented. Dimensions of meta-beliefs, meta-worry, cognitive consciousness, and strategies can be distinguished. A cognitive model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is advanced based on this framework in which GAD results from an interaction between the motivated use of worry as a coping strategy, negative appraisal of worry, and worry control attempts. These factors result from combinations of dysfunctional meta-beliefs and contribute to subjectively diminished cognitive control. The model presents new implications for a cognitive therapy of GAD, and these are illustrated with a single case treatment study.Keywords
This publication has 24 references indexed in Scilit:
- The thought control questionnaire: A measure of individual differences in the control of unwanted thoughtsBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1994
- New perspectives for a cognitive theory of obsessionsAustralian Psychologist, 1993
- Imagery and Core Beliefs in Health Anxiety: Content and OriginsBehavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 1993
- A questionnaire for the measurement of nonpathological worryPersonality and Individual Differences, 1992
- An experimental investigation of thought suppressionBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1991
- The nature of worry in generalized anxiety disorder: A predominance of thought activityBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1990
- Qualitative dimensions of worry in DSM-III-R generalized anxiety disorder subjects and nonanxious controlsBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1989
- Obsessional-compulsive problems: A cognitive-behavioural analysisBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1985
- Preliminary exploration of worry: Some characteristics and processesBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1983
- Abnormal and normal obsessionsBehaviour Research and Therapy, 1978