Problematic internet pornography use: The role of craving, desire thinking, and metacognition. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allen, Andrew; Kannis-Dymand, Lee; Katsikitis, Mary
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 70(2017)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Addictive behaviours -- Craving -- Desire thinking -- Metacognitions -- Metacognitive theory -- Internet pornography use; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Defined as sexually explicit material that elicits erotic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, internet pornography is a prevalent form of media that may facilitate problematic use and craving for engagement. Research suggests that superordinate cognitions and information processing, such as desire thinking and metacognition, are central to the activation and escalation of craving in addictive behaviours. The current study aimed to contribute to the literature by testing the proposed metacognitive model of desire thinking and craving in a sample of problematic pornography users, while revising the model by incorporating negative affect. From a theoretical perspective, environmental cues trigger positive metacognitions about desire thinking that directly influence desire thinking, resulting in the escalation of craving, negative metacognitions, and negative affect. Participants were recruited via an online survey and screened for problematic internet pornography use. Path analyses were used to investigate relationships among the aforementioned constructs in a final sample of 191 participants. Consistent with previous research, results of this study validated the existence of metacognitive processes in the activation of desire thinking and escalation of craving, while indicating that desire thinking has the potential to influence negative affect. Additionally, results supported the role of significant indirect relationships between constructs within the revised model of metacognition, desire thinking, and psychopathology. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the clinical value of a metacognitive conceptualisation of problematic pornography use. Exploring the metacognitive mechanisms that underpin problematic internet pornography use may give rise to the development of new treatment and relapse prevention strategies. Highlights: We validated an existing model of metacognition, desire thinking, and craving for problematic internet pornography use. Desire thinking escalates craving for internet pornography. Metacognitions appear to activate and perpetuate desire thinking. The metacognitive model was supported, including relationships between desire thinking and negative affect. Targeted metacognitive interventions may help to reduce problematic internet pornography use.