Analysis of Cognitive Schemas and Work-Related Stress Dynamics in Addictive Behaviors: Case Study

Occupational stress in Morocco has become a concerning reality, steadily increasing due to its impact on workers’ psychological functioning, necessitating the use of adjustment strategies and defense mechanisms to cope. This clinical study explored the links between work-related stress factors, cognitive patterns, and psychoactive substances as an adjustment and defense strategy, as illustrated in a clinical case. The study aims to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying addictive behaviors, focusing on modifying cognitive schemas related to psychoactive substance consumption and examining anticipatory, relieving, and permissive beliefs associated with addiction. An in-depth clinical study was conducted on a Moroccan employee suffering from both work-related stress and cannabis addiction. The study employed Beck’s cognitive model for analysis and used clinical interviews, clinical observations, and evaluation scales. The analysis reveals that work-related stress factors can lead to excessive and dependent consumption of psychoactive substances, highlighting the crucial role of cognitive schemas in addiction. Anticipatory beliefs reinforce addictive behavior by creating expectations of well-being. Relieving beliefs trigger an urgent need for substance use, while permissive beliefs dismiss the consequences, strengthening the persistence of addictive behavior despite associated risks. Occupational stress weakens the individual’s psychological resources, leading to resorting to substances as a defense, soothing, and avoidance strategy for psychological distress in the form of self-medication.