title: Metacognition in addictive behaviors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the last twenty years metacognitive theory has provided a novel framework, in the form of the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model, for conceptualizing psychological distress (Wells & Matthews, 1994, 1996). The S-REF model proposes that psychological distress persists because of unhelpful coping styles (e.g. extended thinking and thought suppression) which are activated and maintained as a result of metacognitive beliefs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper describes the S-REF model and its application to addictive behaviors using a triphasic metacognitive formulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence on the components of the triphasic metacognitive formulation is reviewed and the clinical implications for applying metacognitive therapy to addictive behaviors outlined.
authors.affiliation: London South Bank University, London, UK. Electronic address: spadam@lsbu.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Marcantonio M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Spada
authors.affiliation: Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caselli
authors.affiliation: Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK.
authors.forename: Ana V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Nikčević
authors.affiliation: University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust, UK.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wells
mesh_terms: D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D056344:Executive Function; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological
keywords: Addictive behaviors; Cognitive-attentional syndrome; Metacognition; Metacognitive beliefs; Metacognitive therapy; Self-Regulatory Executive Function model