Metakognitiv terapi

Abstract

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) was developed by Adrian Wells and is founded on the self-regulatory executive function (S-REF) model, often referred to as the metacognitive model of psychological disorder. The metacognitive model assumes that symptoms of psychological disorder will naturally subside through a process of reflexive self-regulation. However, this process can be blocked by a cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS), consisting of worry, rumination, threat monitoring and maladaptive coping behaviours, and lead to prolonged emotional distress. The CAS is under the influence of a metacognitive control system, and biases in metacognitive knowledge held by this system are assumed to constitute the central mechanisms underlying the CAS and therefore psychological disorders in general. MCT was specially developed to achieve metacognitive change and enhance self-regulation using a set of transdiagnostic treatment techniques and procedures. In the current paper we present MCT, its conceptual foundation and central features. We briefly present some of the empirical evidence supporting the metacognitive model and therapy and how MCT can be applied to a case named Nadine. Keywords: metacognitive therapy, MCT, metacognition, CAS