This observational study investigates differences in psychological processes and emotional symptoms between individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and a non-clinical control group. PBAT, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 will be used. MANCOVA will test group differences controlling for demographics.
The present study is grounded in the process-based approach to psychopathology, which emphasizes the identification and modification of core psychological processes underlying mental disorders, rather than focusing exclusively on categorical diagnoses. A central theoretical framework guiding this approach is the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model (EEMM), which conceptualizes psychological functioning and psychopathology through evolutionary principles: * Variation - the ability to generate flexible and adaptive behavioral responses * Selection - the capacity to choose behaviors aligned with personal goals and contextual demands * Retention - the maintenance and consolidation of adaptive behaviors over time * Context - sensitivity to environmental and situational factors influencing behavior According to this model, psychopathology (including Alcohol Use Disorder) is characterized by psychological inflexibility, maladaptive behavioral selection, and poor retention of functional strategies, often in interaction with contextual insensitivity. These processes operate across multiple domains, including affect, cognition, attention, motivation, self, and overt behavior.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures
Târgu Mureş, Mureș County, Romania
Process-Based Assessment Tool
The scale involves the depiction of psychological and behavioral processes involved in adaptation and maladaptation, according to the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model. The scale includes 18 items, each involving a stand-alone, individual score, indicating the degree to which the responder engages in the specific process. The scale comprises both positive and negative behavioral strategies.
Time frame: After enrollment (single time point).
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
The scale involves the assessment of depressive symptoms, with a score range between 0 and 27. Scores between 5 and 9 mean mild depression, 10 to 14 moderate depression, 15 to 19 moderate to severe depression and above 20 severe depression (Kroenke et al., 2001).
Time frame: After enrollment (single time point).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)
The scale involves the assessment of anxiety symptoms, with a score range from 0 to 21. Scores between 5 and 9 indicate mild anxiety, scores between 10 and 14 moderate anxiety, while those above 15 show severe anxiety.
Time frame: After enrollment (single time point).
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