Cited by 163Psychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsPsychoanalysis and Psychopathology ResearchAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

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Understanding minds: Different functions and different disorders? The contribution of psychotherapy research

Semerari, Antonio, Carcione, Antonino, Dimaggio, Giancarlo, Nicolò, Giuseppe, Procacci, Michele·2007·Psychotherapy Research

DOI 10.1080/10503300500536953

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Abstract

Disorders in the ability to understand mental states (metacognition) have an important role in psychopathology. Some clinicians talk of a generalised impairment of metacognition and others of malfunctioning of specific aspects. We compare two contrasting hypotheses. We call the first one ‘fast running’ hypothesis according to which metacognition is a single function, like speed in running. The second one is the ‘tennis playing’ hypothesis according to which metacognition is composed, like the ability to play tennis, of various, relatively independent skills, which can get impaired selectively. We reviewed the main theories and researches on metacognition and, therefore, we outlined a research programme based on them, describing the contribution made by the research on the psychotherapeutic process to this programme.

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Authors: Semerari, A., Carcione, A., Dimaggio, G., Nicolò, G., & Procacci, M.
Corresponding author: Semerari, Antonio
ORCID: Semerari, Antonio
Carcione, Antonino
Dimaggio, Giancarlo
Nicolò, Giuseppe
Venue: Psychotherapy Research
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2007-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Pages: 106-119
ISSN: 1050-3307 (ISSN-L)
1468-4381
DOI: 10.1080/10503300500536953
OpenAlex: W2149011247
Cited by: 163
References: 93
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 12 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 9 · 2012: 12
FWCI: 4.79
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychotherapy Research (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords: metacognition, theory of mind, psychopathology, therapeutic process, metacognitive skills

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Understanding minds: Different functions and different disorders? The contribution of psychotherapy research

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