Cognitive addiction.

Question 1

Outline Beck’s Vicious Circle.

Answer 1

low mood –> using –> problems.

can start at any point in the circle.

Question 2

Outline Coping.

Answer 2

People engage in addictive behaviours to cope with stress.

3 main functions:

1. Performance enhancement - make you feel more alert/more able to perform certain tasks.
2. Mood regulation - increase positive mood, reduce negative mood.
3. Distraction - distract the addict from unpleasant life experiences

Question 3

Outline expectancy.

Answer 3

negative expectations = less likely to engage. e.g. religious, health, moral grounds.

Hansen - alcoholics more likely to be those who perceive fewer negative consequences.

Expectancies do not have to be accurate - may feel that smoking makes them look more attractive - may not be true.

Question 4

Evaluate the cognitive approach.

Answer 4

Allows free will - addiction occurs due to faulty thinking - can be corrected. Gives the individual a chance to change. Unlike learning model - addiction determined by environment.

Accounts for individual differences - everyone has the ability to think differently. Two MZ twins - one addict one chooses not to be. Contradicts bio approach - both likely to be addicts.

Limited to particular addictions - some have biological evidence (e.g. genes) i.e. it might not be someone’s choice to smoke. Too simplistic - needs a multi-dimensional approach.