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Comparing Metacognition and Mentalization and Their Implications for Psychotherapy for Individuals with Psychosis

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Abstract

Over the past couple of decades, researchers have investigated the relationship between psychosis and social cognitive deficits and how these deficits might be targets for psychosocial treatments. Two important constructs related to social cognition are metacognition and mentalization, which have been developed into distinct therapeutic models for individuals with psychosis. Though metacognition and mentalization are conceptually similar, this review aims to provide a clearer delineation of each term by reviewing the definition and the application to the treatment of individuals with psychosis. We examined key theoretical papers, case studies, and clinical trials on mentalization and metacognition. Metacognition and mentalization share much in common though subtle conceptual distinction reveal key differences theoretically that have therapeutic implications. While emerging from divergent intellectual traditions, mentalization and metacognition complement one another and more trials are needed to examine the technical differences between these therapeutic approaches and the possibilities for both theoretical and technical integration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Austen Riggs Center, 25 Main St., P.O. Box 962, Stockbridge, MA, 01262, USA

    Jeremy Ridenour & Daniel Knauss

  2. Midtown Community Mental Health Center, Eskenazi Health, 1700 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Jay A. Hamm

Authors
  1. Jeremy Ridenour
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  2. Daniel Knauss
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  3. Jay A. Hamm
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Correspondence to Jeremy Ridenour.

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Ridenour, J., Knauss, D. & Hamm, J.A. Comparing Metacognition and Mentalization and Their Implications for Psychotherapy for Individuals with Psychosis. J Contemp Psychother 49, 79–85 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9392-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9392-0

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