A metacognitive model and therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

The study did not assess all available cognitive-behavioral theories of GAD, such as the interpersonal processes of Borkovec, Newman, and Castonguay (2003) and Wells' (1999) cognitive model.

“We also did not assess all of the available cognitive-behavioral theories of GAD, such as the interpersonal processes highlighted by Borkovec, Newman, and Castonguay (2003), and the cognitive model outlined by Wells (1999).”

Worriers describe worrying as aversive but also endorse positive beliefs about worry.

“Despite concomitant reports that worriers describe the process of worrying as aversive (Ruscio & Borkovec, 2004; Wells, 1995), they also endorse positive beliefs about worry; that it might help them prepare for, problem solve, or superstitiously avoid future catastrophic events (e.g., Borkovec, Hazlett-Stevens, & Diaz, 1999).”

A drop in negative emotion, like relief when the feared outcome fails to happen, strengthens worry.

“Experiencing a decrease in negative emotions, such as relief when the feared outcome doesn't occur (which is the case 84% of the time; Borkovec, Hazlett-Stevens, & Diaz, 1999), serves to reinforce the worry.”

People who worry excessively report that worrying helps them solve problems, prepare for outcomes, prevent negative outcomes, and reduce emotional reactions to negative outcomes.

“Furthermore, excessive worriers report that worrying helps them to problem solve, prepare for potential outcomes, prevent negative outcomes from occurring, and minimize emotional reactions to negative outcomes (Borkovec, Hazlett-Stevens, & Diaz, 1999; Freeston, Rhéaume, Letarte, Dugas, & Ladouceur, 1994).”

Several studies pointed out the impact that dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs can have on mental health.

“Several studies pointed out the impact that those dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs can have on mental health [26–30].”

Cognitive models of GAD hold that cognitive factors such as intolerance of uncertainty, metacognitive beliefs, and cognitive avoidance maintain the disorder.

“Cognitive theories of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) posit that cognitive and behavioural factors maintain the disorder.”

One of the longest standing accounts of OCD symptomatology is that compulsions are not habits but rather are rational avoidance responses triggered by irrational beliefs.

“One of the longest standing accounts of OCD symptomatology is that compulsions are not habits but rather are rational avoidance responses triggered by irrational beliefs 5, 6, 7.”