A review of cognitive conflicts research: a meta-analytic study of prevalence and relation to symptoms

作者:Montesano Adrian*; Angeles Lopez Gonzalez Mari; Angel Saul Luis; Feixas Guillem
来源:Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2015, 11: 2997-3006.
DOI:10.2147/NDT.S91861

摘要

Recent research has highlighted the role of implicative dilemmas in a variety of clinical conditions. These dilemmas are a type of cognitive conflict, in which different aspects of the self are countered in such a way that a desired change in a personal dimension (eg, symptom improvement) may be hindered by the need of personal coherence in another dimension. The aim of this study was to summarize, using a meta-analytical approach, the evidence relating to the presence and the level of this conflict, as well as its relationship with well-being, in various clinical samples. A systematic review using multiple electronic data-bases found that out of 37 articles assessed for eligibility, nine fulfilled the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Random effects model was applied when computing mean effect sizes and testing for heterogeneity level. Statistically significant associations were observed between the clinical status and the presence of dilemmas, as well as level of conflict across several clinical conditions. Likewise, the level of conflict was associated with symptom severity. Results highlighted the clinical relevance and the transdiagnostic nature of implicative dilemmas.

  • 出版日期2015