Dual-process cognitive profiles associated with substance abuse and treatment outcomes

Abstract

<p><b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to identify dual‐process cognitive profiles in an Australian sample and to examine how the profiles were associated with substance use and treatment outcomes.</p><p>

<b>Method:</b> A total of 242 adults were recruited using convenience sampling (<I>n </I>= 123) and from a substance abuse treatment program (<I>n</I> = 119). All participants completed a web‐based survey that included the Rational‐Experiential Inventory and substance use measures. In‐treatment participants also completed treatment outcome measures.</p><p>

<b>Results:</b> Cluster analysis of 242 rational and experiential thinking style scores identified four profiles comprising individuals who reported high rationality and low experientiality, low rationality and high experientiality, high rationality and high experientiality, or low rationality and low experientiality. Profiles that included low rationality reported the highest substance use and were overrepresented by in‐treatment participants. Profiles that included high rationality were associated with the best treatment outcomes, even when accompanied by high experientiality.</p><p>

<b>Conclusions:</b> These findings are in line with dual‐process theory and suggest that: (a) individuals who are at risk of abusing substances may benefit from strategies that increase cognitive control, and (b) treatment programs may produce better outcomes if they incorporate strategies to increase cognitive control.</p>