Problematic Internet Pornography Use: The Role of Craving, Desire Thinking, and Metacognition
AUTHOR(S)
PUBLISHED
2017 in Addictive Behaviors, Vol. 70, pp. 65-71
KEY FINDINGS
- This study validated a metacognitive model of desire thinking and craving for problematic pornography use.
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... READ FULL ABSTRACT
EXCERPTS
- "The present study tested the metacognitive model of desire thinking and craving for problematic pornography use, and expanded upon the same model to include negative affect related to desire thinking. Results suggested that positive metacognitions about desire thinking directly influence imaginal prefiguration and verbal perseveration, symbolising a shift in attention towards pornography-related information. After this shift, imaginal prefiguration directly influences verbal perseveration, which signifies an engagement in conscious self-talk regarding the desired behaviour. Together, imaginal prefiguration and verbal perseveration mark the activation of desire thinking. The Pathological escalation of desire thinking is evidenced by the direct effects of verbal perseveration on craving for the desired behaviour and negative metacognitions about desire thinking"
