Metacognition in persons with substance abuse: Findings and implications for occupational therapists.

Background: Addiction is a massive public health problem in which a person's occupational life is compromised and metacognition is impaired. Occupational therapists may play a critical role in addiction rehabilitation, but more information about patterns of metacognitive deficit co-occurring with addictive behaviour is needed to develop interventions that specifically target these impairments.

Purpose: This study examined whether persons with addiction(s) demonstrated specific patterns of metacognitive deficit on four subscales of metacognition measuring self-reflectivity, understanding others' thoughts, decentration, and mastery.

Method: Using a mixed-methods design, qualitative data were obtained via the Indiana Psychiatric Illness Interview, which was then rated using a quantitative scale, the Metacognition Assessment Scale-Abbreviated.

Findings: Persons with addiction(s) demonstrated significant impairments in metacognitive mastery but not other areas of metacognition.

Implications: Occupational therapy interventions for addiction should focus on improving metacognitive mastery. Future efficacy studies of interventions to improve mastery and overall outcomes are warranted.