How Are Recovery-Supportive Cognitions and Behaviors Associated with Positive and Negative Affect?

Abstract

Negative affect is strongly associated with relapse. Few interventions are designed to improve mood during recovery and little is known about the effect on mood of incremental, recovery-supportive cognitions and behaviors (IRSCB), such as wishing others well or writing a gratitude list. In this study, 81 individuals in addiction treatment (52% female, average 39 years old, 26% BIPOC, average 13 years of education) completed surveys for 30 days assessing 16 different past-day IRSCBs and current-moment mood assessed via the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Multi-level models showed significant main effects of 15 IRSCBs on increased positive affect and significant main effects of 14 IRSCBs on decreased negative affect. The IRSCBs that had the strongest effect were “I did something enjoyable,” “I felt able to get things done,” “I realized that more good things than bad things were happening,” and “I realized that there is a lot I am grateful or thankful for.” These IRSCBs were associated with both a 2-3 point increase in positive affect and a 1-2 point decrease in negative affect. These results suggest that providers should reinforce pleasant activities and gratitude practices and help clients meet short-term goals. This study shows that IRSCBs have significant association with improved mood, which could protect against relapse.