In order to better understand the cognitive and adaptive functioning of the human mind, it is aimed to examine the relationship between the metacognitive problems and dependence associated problems of individuals with substance dependence by comparing the metacognition of the substance-dependent individuals to that of the individuals without a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. The study included 34 patients under treatment with the diagnosis of substance dependence and 34 non-patient individuals without any substance dependence diagnosis. A sociodemographic information form, The Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 published in 2008, and The Addiction Profile Index published in 2012 were used for the assessments in the study. The data produced by the administration of the scales were evaluated statistically using descriptive methods. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov distribution test was used for evaluating whether the data conform to a normal distribution. The t-test was used for comparing the parameters between the groups. The Pearson Correlation Analysis was used for comparing the differences between the scales. The study results demonstrated that the metacognition questionnaire scores of the patients being treated at the hospital for the diagnosis of substance dependence disorder were higher compared to those of the individuals without a psychiatric disorder. In regard to the assessment of the sub-dimensions of metacognition; the scores of the following subscales including the uncontrollability and danger, cognitive self- consciousness, and the need to control thoughts were higher in the substance dependent group compared to the control group. These results indicate that substance use has a negative impact on metacognition. It has also been determined that the metacognition of the negative beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts and danger, the positive beliefs about worry and the beliefs about the need to control thoughts were associated with the substance use characteristics and the frequencies of use. The study results suggest that the metacognitive processes and their sub-dimensions are important factors in the diagnosis and treatment of substance dependence; therefore, they should be considered to gain an insight into these processes.
Key words: Substance-related disorders, metacognition, addiction, dependency (psychology)
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