Type 1 And Type 2 Concerns: How Are They Different?

We all experience worries at some point. These fulfill an important function, as they guide us and prepare us to act by solving problems and preventing dangers. However, in those people with a certain predisposition, they can reach a pathological level. Thus, differentiating between type 1 and type 2 concerns can help us understand how something so everyday can lead to a disorder. 

This distinction was proposed in Wells’s metacognitive model for generalized anxiety disorder. However, its postulates can be applied without having to suffer from this condition. In this way, if worry has become a problem for you, knowing how the mind works will allow you to make better decisions. 

Pathological concern

Before delving into type 1 and type 2 concerns, it is important to define when the concern goes from natural to pathological. This happens, in the first instance, when it occurs too frequently, too intensely, or when events are very unlikely to occur.

But, above all, it becomes pathological when it ceases to fulfill its function. In other words, worrying must always be the preamble to an action; the red flag that tells us that there is an issue we must take care of. When we get stuck in this first step, ruminating over and over the same sequence of thoughts and not taking action, something goes wrong.

Furthermore, within this dysfunctional apprehension we can differentiate between type 1 and type 2 concerns based on the type of beliefs that hold them. It is these ideas that we must review to get out of the vicious circle of concern.

Differences between type 1 and type 2 concerns

Positive beliefs

There is nothing extraordinary about type 1 concerns. They can be about everyday topics such as employment, family, health or social life. What happens is that they arise with too much frequency, intensity and that they do not promote an action. The person continues to worry because he maintains a series of positive beliefs about it:

• “Worrying about something makes it less likely to happen. ” This belief is very common and is maintained because in most cases what we fear is very unlikely. Thus, when it finally does not happen, we convince ourselves that we have avoided it thanks to worry.
• “Worrying helps me discover ways to avoid what I fear. ” Many times we have the feeling that by mentally turning over an issue we will find an adequate solution. This would be positive in the beginning; more when we have done the same mental journey numerous times, continuing to ruminate will only keep on that endless cycle.

• “Worry helps me prepare for when the negative event occurs. ” This statement, despite being quite widespread, is not true. Thinking about the same distressing idea over and over will not help us to be more prepared, it will only keep us from enjoying the present.

There may be many other positive beliefs such as that caring makes us better people, more empathetic or more responsible individuals. In any case, all these ideas keep the habit of worrying.

Negative beliefs

However, when this tendency to worry has been maintained for a long time, the person begins to develop negative beliefs about it. You begin to realize how this interferes with your life, how unwell it causes you. You become aware that you have reached a point where you cannot control these repetitive ideas.

This generates what Wells calls meta-worry or type 2 worries. That is, the individual begins to worry about being worried, since they now perceive it as something negative. Therefore, you try to control and avoid these thoughts and, by failing to do so, your beliefs that they are dangerous and uncontrollable are reaffirmed. The result is continuous feedback of concern.

Do you have type 1 and type 2 concerns?

If you feel that worry is excessively present in your day to day, interfering with your functioning, pay attention to your beliefs. What do you think about worrying? Do you think it is positive or dangerous? If you detect any of the aforementioned ideas in yourself, it would be convenient to review them.

Remember that the concern must be punctual, justified and proportional. But above all, it should motivate you to take action. Don’t get caught up in circular thought sequences, continue the problem-solving process to the end. And, above all, if you recognize yourself in any of these patterns, do not hesitate to consult a professional who can advise you.