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Impact of Metacognition on Health-Related Behavior: A Mediation Model Study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 2023:6547804. [PMID: 36761241 PMCID: PMC9904901 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6547804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective The study aims to explore the correlation mechanism among metacognition, attitude toward physical exercise, and health-related behavior in high school students. Methods A total of 869 students (17 ± 1.70) from Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Fujian provinces were selected by stratified sampling to complete the Metacognition Questionnaire, Health-Related Behavior Self-Rating Scale, Attitude Toward Physical Exercise Scale, and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (Simplified Chinese version, DASS-21). Results (1) Metacognition was negatively predictive of attitude toward physical exercise and health-related behavior (β = -0.236, P < 0.01; β = -0.239, P < 0.01) but positively predictive of negative emotion (β = 0.496, P < 0.01); (2) attitude toward physical exercise was positively predictive of health-related behavior (β = 0.533, P < 0.01) but negatively predictive of negative emotion (β = -0.336, P < 0.01); and (3) negative emotion was negatively predictive of health-related behavior (β = -0.389, P < 0.01). Conclusions Metacognition not only has a directly predictive effect on health-related behavior but also predicts it through attitude toward physical exercise. Negative emotion also mediates the relationship between metacognition and attitude toward physical exercise.
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Greville-Harris M, Talbot CV, Moseley RL, Vuillier L. Conceptualisations of health in orthorexia nervosa: a mixed-methods study. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3135-3143. [PMID: 35861935 PMCID: PMC9301897 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited research has explored conceptualisations of health and healthy eating in orthorexia nervosa (ON). This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate how 'health' and 'healthy eating' are conceptualised by individuals at risk for ON. This study examined the potential relationships between health anxiety, beliefs about health controllability and orthorexic symptomatology in our broader sample. METHODS A total of 362 participants took a survey on health anxiety (measured with the HAQ), beliefs about the controllability of one's own health (IMHLC) and ON symptomatology (E-DOS and EHQ). Participants 'at risk' for ON (n = 141), also completed an online qualitative survey about conceptualisations of health and healthy eating. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis (part A). The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used for the quantitative analysis (part B). RESULTS Conceptualisations of health and healthy eating were complex. Four themes were generated from our qualitative data: 'health is more than thin ideals', 'healthy food equals healthy mind', 'a body that works for you' and 'taking control of your body'. Our quantitative analysis revealed that health anxiety and beliefs in health controllability independently predicted ON symptomatology. CONCLUSION A richer understanding of what health means in the context of ON is important, given the centrality of this concept to the proposed classification of this disordered eating style. Our findings highlight that both health anxiety and health controllability are important targets for future investigation, given their potential relevance to the aetiology and treatment of ON. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, based on a descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddy Greville-Harris
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Catherine V Talbot
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Rachel L Moseley
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Laura Vuillier
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
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Keen E, Kangas M, Gilchrist PT. A systematic review evaluating metacognitive beliefs in health anxiety and somatic distress. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 27:1398-1422. [PMID: 35746856 PMCID: PMC9796692 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing evidence suggests metacognitive beliefs may underpin transdiagnostic mechanisms maintaining psychopathology. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate published studies investigating the role of metacognitive beliefs in somatic distress in adult samples. METHOD A systematic review was conducted, spanning five data bases. Studies meeting eligibility criteria were qualitatively synthesized. RESULTS Thirty-six studies (N = 12,390) met inclusion criteria with results suggesting a relatively consistent positive relationship between metacognitive beliefs and somatic distress. Both general and syndrome-specific metacognitive beliefs demonstrated relationships with not only emotional distress, but also physical symptoms themselves. CONCLUSIONS Results are discussed in terms of conceptualizing somatic distress through the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) Model. Future research into metacognitive therapy for somatic populations is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina Keen
- School of Psychological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia,Centre for Emotional HealthMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Maria Kangas
- School of Psychological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia,Centre for Emotional HealthMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Philippe T. Gilchrist
- School of Psychological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia,Centre for Emotional HealthMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
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Nadeem F, Malik NI, Atta M, Ullah I, Martinotti G, Pettorruso M, Vellante F, Di Giannantonio M, De Berardis D. Relationship between Health-Anxiety and Cyberchondria: Role of Metacognitive Beliefs. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092590. [PMID: 35566713 PMCID: PMC9101818 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The current study was designed to examine the relationship between health anxiety, cyberchondria (its constructs), and metacognitive beliefs. In addition, it also evaluated the moderating role of metacognitive beliefs in this relationship. Design and Method: The present study used the purposive sampling technique to acquire a sample of (N = 500) adults, among them (N = 256) women and (N = 244) men, and the age of the sample ranged from 20 to 50 years. Short Health Anxiety Inventory, Cyberchondria Severity Scale, and Metacognitions Questionnaire–Health Anxiety were used to operationalize the present study variables. Findings: The descriptive statistics revealed that all instruments have good psychometric properties, as Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for all scales are ≥0.70. In addition to this, the Pearson correlation showed that all variables of the present study have a significant positive correlation with each other. Furthermore, the regression analysis described that health anxiety and metacognitive beliefs (biased thinking and beliefs about uncontrollable thoughts) were the significant positive predictors of cyberchondria. Moreover, moderation analysis showed that metacognitive beliefs significantly strengthened the association between health anxiety and cyberchondria and its constructs. Practical Implications: The present study will help medical practitioners to understand how metacognitive beliefs and health anxiety can cause an increase in cyberchondria. This will help them to design better treatment plans for people with cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Nadeem
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan; (F.N.); (N.I.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Najma Iqbal Malik
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan; (F.N.); (N.I.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohsin Atta
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan; (F.N.); (N.I.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.M.); (M.P.); (F.V.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.M.); (M.P.); (F.V.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Federica Vellante
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.M.); (M.P.); (F.V.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, Chair of Psychiatry, University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.M.); (M.P.); (F.V.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Domenico De Berardis
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Childhood Adversity and Illness Appraisals as Predictors of Health Anxiety in Emerging Adults with a Chronic Illness. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2022; 30:143-152. [PMID: 35461438 PMCID: PMC9034695 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Emerging adults with a chronic medical condition (CMC) are at increased risk for developing health anxiety (HA). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to developing HA. CMCs and ACEs frequently co-occur among emerging adults. However, no known research has examined ACEs and HA within this critical developmental period. Further, increased negative illness appraisals (e.g., uncertainty, intrusivness) may partially explain the relation between ACEs and HA. The present study examined the following mediation model: ACEs → illness appraisals → HA. Emerging adults (N = 121) with a CMC completed self-report measures of demographics, ACEs, illness appraisals, and HA. Regression analyses were conducted to test each illness appraisal as a mediator between ACEs and HA. Results demonstrated significant indirect effects for both illness appraisals. Findings demonstrate greater ACEs may increase negative illness appraisals which heightens overall HA. Thus, these associations support trauma-informed care approaches to support emerging adults.
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Randomized Trial on the Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Temperament, Anxiety, and Depression: A Multi-Arm Psychometric Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12030074. [PMID: 35323393 PMCID: PMC8945710 DOI: 10.3390/bs12030074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness is a mental state that can be achieved through meditation. So far, studies have shown that practicing mindfulness on a consistent and regular basis can improve attentional functions and emotional well-being. Mindfulness has recently begun to be used in the field of child development. The goal of this study is to assess if a mindfulness program may help primary school students in reducing anxiety and depression while also improving their temperamental characteristics. This multi-arm pre-post study included 41 subjects recruited in the fifth year of two primary school classes. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group, but not the control group, underwent an eight-week mindfulness training. Every week, the program included 60-min group sessions. QUIT (Italian Questionnaires of Temperament) and TAD (Test for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence) were used to assess temperament, and anxiety and depression, respectively. Both groups were administered both instruments before and after mindfulness intervention. The mindfulness program lowered anxiety levels and was effective in changing temperament dimensions: there was an increase in social orientation (SO), positive emotionality (PE), and attention (AT), as well as a decrease in inhibition to novelty (IN) and negative emotionality. Path analysis revealed that AT may promote the improvement of both SO and IN. Similarly, PE may be promoted by the decrease of IN. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Fergus TA, Wilder K, Koester P, Kelley LP, Griggs JO. Metacognitive Beliefs about Uncontrollability Relate Most Strongly to Health Anxiety among U.S.-based non-Latinx White Primary Care Patients: Comparing Strength of Relations with U.S.-based non-Latinx Black and Latinx Primary Care Patients. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1331-1341. [PMID: 35023259 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metacognitive beliefs have emerged as important to health anxiety, particularly beliefs that health-related thoughts are uncontrollable. Preliminary research examining generalized worry indicates uncontrollability beliefs relate more strongly to anxiety among U.S.-based self-identifying White relative to Black college students. The present study sought to extend that line of research by examining if metacognitive beliefs about the uncontrollability of health-related thoughts differentially relate to health anxiety among self-identifying non-Latinx Black (n = 123), Latinx (n = 104), and non-Latinx White (n = 80) U.S.-based primary care patients. As predicted, although positive associations were seen across all three groups, beliefs that health-related thoughts are uncontrollable more strongly related to health anxiety among White patients compared to both Black and Latinx patients. Those differential relations held in multivariate analyses while statistically controlling for positive depression screening status, generalized anxiety symptom severity, and medical morbidity. Although the effect size surrounding the differential relations was small in magnitude, the present results further support the notion that metacognitive beliefs about uncontrollability relate less strongly to anxiety among U.S.-based ethnoracial minorities compared to White individuals. Potential reasons for the differential relations are discussed, along with additional areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Fergus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Kayla Wilder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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Nasiri M, Mohammadkhani S, Akbari M, Alilou MM. The structural model of cyberchondria based on personality traits, health-related metacognition, cognitive bias, and emotion dysregulation. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:960055. [PMID: 36699479 PMCID: PMC9869141 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.960055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyberchondria is excessive seeking for online health-related information related to increasing health anxiety and distress levels. The current study investigated the mediating role of health-related metacognition, cognitive bias, and emotion dysregulation in the relationship between personality traits and cyberchondria. METHODS Participants were 703 individuals 18+ years old who had access to the internet (males = 43.8%, mean age = 33.82 ± 10.09 years and females = 56.2%, mean age = 34.37 ± 11.16 years). They voluntarily completed a questionnaire package that included the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS), the revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Meta-Cognitions about Health Questionnaire (MCQ-HA), and the Health Cognitions Questionnaire (HCQ). RESULTS The initial evaluation of the model demonstrated that the personality traits of openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness had no significant relationship with other variables in the structural model, and the effects of neuroticism and extroversion were the only significant results. Rerunning the model with the removal of non-significant variables revealed a full mediation of health-related metacognition, cognitive bias, and emotion dysregulation in the relation between personality traits (neuroticism and extraversion) and cyberchondria. Fit indices demonstrated the acceptable fit of the model with the collected data (χ2 = 979.24, p <.001; NFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.93, GFI = 0.90, IFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.071, and SRMR = 0.063). The results indicated that the present model could explain R 2 = 54% of cyberchondria variance. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that health-related metacognition, cognitive bias, and emotion dysregulation could demonstrate a full mediating role in the correlation between personality traits and cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nasiri
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Mohammadkhani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Mahmoud Alilou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Aydın O, Balıkçı K, Arslan Y, Ünal-Aydın P, Müezzin E, Spada MM. The Combined Contribution of Fear and Perceived Danger of COVID-19 and Metacognitions to Anxiety Levels during the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2021; 40:603-617. [PMID: 34776609 PMCID: PMC8571673 DOI: 10.1007/s10942-021-00429-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite a wide base of research suggesting a major role for dysfunctional metacognitions in contributing to anxiety, their role in explaining psychological distress in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. In this study we investigated whether metacognitions would predict anxiety, while controlling for fear and perceived danger of COVID-19. A total of 862 individuals were included in this study. Participants completed sociodemographic questions, emotional state questions relating to COVID-19, the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7. Results showed that both negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, and cognitive self-consciousness were significant predictors of anxiety beyond the fear and perceived danger of COVID-19. Future studies involving clinical populations are needed to investigate the longer-term impact of metacognitions in the maintenance and exacerbation of anxiety associated with the fear and perceived danger of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkun Aydın
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Kuzeymen Balıkçı
- Faculty of Science and Literature, Department of Psychology, International Final University, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
| | - Yasin Arslan
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Pınar Ünal-Aydın
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ece Müezzin
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marcantonio M Spada
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
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10
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Zheng H, Kyung Kim H, Joanna Sin SC, Theng YL. A theoretical model of cyberchondria development: Antecedents and intermediate processes. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2021.101659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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11
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Sen Demirdogen E, Algedik P, Warikoo N, Bahadır E, Akbiyik M, Büyüktarakçı S, Kadak MT, Yavuz M. The associations between metacognition problems, childhood trauma and internalizing symptoms in healthcare workers working directly with patients infected with COVID-19. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 27:1937-1950. [PMID: 34587840 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1985147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) providing medical support while facing one of the highest levels of adverse and potentially fatal outcomes due to COVID-19 are put in a vulnerable position leading to the development of mental health problems. The development of any prevention and intervention programs to reduce this risk is possible with better understanding and knowledge of possible vulnerability factors. The aim of the present study is to investigate psychological effect of working directly with patients infected with COVID-19 (WD) and possible individual vulnerability factors for the development of psychological problems in HCWs. The data used in this cross-sectional study were collected using online self-reported questionnaires from 290 HCWs aged 21-61 years old. The mean score of the scales of 145 HCWs-WD and 145 HCWs not WD (HCWs-NWD) were compared by independent sample t test. Associations between childhood traumas, metacognitive dysfunctional beliefs and internalizing symptoms were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The depression, anxiety, stress symptoms levels, somatization and sleep problem levels were found to be higher in HCWs-WD compared to HCWs-NWD. SEM revealed that childhood trauma levels was associated with the increased risk of internalizing problems, and metacognitive dysfunctional beliefs had a partial mediator role between childhood traumas and internalizing symptoms in HCWs-WD. Improving metacognitive abilities may hence need to be considered in prevention programs for the HCWs. The findings can also be used to set up further research on the specific interventions on the HCWs who are at a risk as their profession entails them being in such traumatic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Sen Demirdogen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pinar Algedik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nishchint Warikoo
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Aldershot Centre for Health, Aldershot, UK
| | - Erdi Bahadır
- Department of Psychiatry, Gumushane State Hospital, Turkey
| | - Meral Akbiyik
- Department Psychology, Istanbul Rumeli University, Turkey
| | - Seda Büyüktarakçı
- Department of Psychiatry, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Tayyip Kadak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Cerrahpasa University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Yavuz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Cerrahpasa University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Airoldi S, Kolubinski DC, Nikčević AV, Spada MM. The relative contribution of health cognitions and metacognitions about health anxiety to cyberchondria: A prospective study. J Clin Psychol 2021; 78:809-820. [PMID: 34559886 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cyberchondria involves the excessive and compulsive use of the Internet to search for health information. The present study investigated the relative contribution of health cognitions and metacognitions about health anxiety to prospective cyberchondria scores, controlling for health anxiety and hours spent online per day. METHODS A convenience sample of 221 participants was recruited for the purpose of this study with a final sample totaling 125 participants (58.4% females, Mage = 34.51 years) who completed the full survey at baseline (T0 ) and a measure of cyberchondria after 30 days (T1 ). RESULTS The results of the study showed that metacognition about health anxiety relating to beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts was the only significant predictor of prospective cyberchondria scores when controlling for health anxiety. CONCLUSIONS These results offer further support to the role of beliefs about the uncontrollability of thoughts in cyberchondria. The implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Airoldi
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Kolubinski
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Ana V Nikčević
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | - Marcantonio M Spada
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
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Akbari M, Spada MM, Nikčević AV, Zamani E. The relationship between fear of COVID-19 and health anxiety among families with COVID-19 infected: The mediating role of metacognitions, intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1354-1366. [PMID: 34110670 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of metacognitions, intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 (FC-19) and health anxiety, among families with COVID-19 infected. Participants were 541 individuals from family members of patients with COVID-19 (F = 52.3%, mean age = 41.3 ± 13.2 years). Data were collected with a packet including sociodemographic and risk factors, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Structural equation modelling analyses revealed a full mediation of metacognitions (i.e., positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, cognitive confidence and beliefs about the need to control thoughts), intolerance of uncertainty and expressive suppression in the relation between FC-19 and health anxiety. Moreover, the strongest indirect links were found between FC-19 and health anxiety through negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger and intolerance of uncertainty. These associations were independent of gender and risk status. The final model accounted for 71% of the variance of health anxiety. These findings suggest that particularly metacognitions, intolerance of uncertainty and expressive suppression play a full mediational role in the relation between FC-19 and health anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marcantonio M Spada
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Ana V Nikčević
- Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Elahe Zamani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
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Poli A, Maremmani AGI, Chiorri C, Mazzoni GP, Orrù G, Kolacz J, Porges SW, Conversano C, Gemignani A, Miccoli M. Item Reduction, Psychometric and Biometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Body Perception Questionnaire-Short Form (BPQ-SF): The BPQ-22. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3835. [PMID: 33917552 PMCID: PMC8038843 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Body awareness disorders and reactivity are mentioned across a range of clinical problems. Constitutional differences in the control of the bodily state are thought to generate a vulnerability to psychological symptoms. Autonomic nervous system dysfunctions have been associated with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Though interoception may be a transdiagnostic mechanism promoting the improvement of clinical symptomatology, few psychometrically sound, symptom-independent, self-report measures, informed by brain-body circuits, are available for research and clinical use. We validated the Italian version of the body perception questionnaire (BPQ)-short form and found that response categories could be collapsed from five to three and that the questionnaire retained a three-factor structure with items reduced from 46 to 22 (BPQ-22). The first factor was loaded by body awareness items; the second factor comprised some items from the body awareness scale and some from the subdiaphragmatic reactivity scale (but all related to bloating and digestive issues), and the third factor by supradiaphragmatic reactivity items. The BPQ-22 had sound psychometric properties, good convergent and discriminant validity and test-retest reliability and could be used in clinical and research settings in which the body perception assessment is of interest. Psychometric findings in light of the polyvagal theory are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Poli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Verdi Clinical Center, 59100 Prato, Italy
- Florence Cognitive School, 50144 Florence, Italy;
| | - Angelo Giovanni Icro Maremmani
- Department of Psychiatry, North-Western Tuscany Region NHS Local Health Unit, Versilia Zone, 55049 Viareggio, Italy;
- Association for the Application of Neuroscientific Knowledge to Social Aims (AU-CNS), 55045 Pietrasanta, Italy
- G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioral Sciences, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Chiorri
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genova, 16121 Genova, Italy;
| | | | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Jacek Kolacz
- Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.K.); (S.W.P.)
| | - Stephen W. Porges
- Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.K.); (S.W.P.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.O.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Mario Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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15
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Rachor GS, Penney AM. Exploring metacognitions in health anxiety and chronic pain: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:81. [PMID: 32767986 PMCID: PMC7412818 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The occurrence of health anxiety (HA) in chronic pain is associated with adverse outcomes. As such, it is important to identify constructs that might influence HA and pain-related outcomes. Metacognitions are an emerging area of interest in both HA and chronic pain, but the relationship between the three factors has not been extensively examined. The current study sought to examine the role of metacognitions about health in HA and pain-related outcomes in chronic pain. Methods This study utilized a cross-sectional design. Undergraduate students with self-reported chronic pain (n = 179) completed online measures of HA, pain intensity, pain disability, and metacognitions about health. Results Regression analyses indicated that both metacognitions about biased thinking and that thoughts are uncontrollable predicted HA in chronic pain, while only metacognitions about biased thinking predicted pain-related disability beyond pain intensity. Conclusion Results demonstrate that HA and pain-related disability are not associated when taking metacognitions about health into account, suggesting that metacognitions about health at least partially account for the relationship between the two. Further, results suggest that metacognitions about biased thinking may independently influence HA and pain-related disability within chronic pain.
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16
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Metacognitive beliefs mediate the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and traits of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:40. [PMID: 32336292 PMCID: PMC7184693 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metacognition has been shown as a key contributor to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as well as other anxiety-related disorders, yet its role in the development and maintenance of these disorders remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether anxiety sensitivity traits are related to obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the general population and whether the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms is mediated by metacognition. METHODS Non-clinical volunteers (N = 156, mean age: 23.97, 121 females) completed measures related to state/trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, obsessive compulsive symptoms and metacognition. RESULTS A direct relationship between anxiety sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms was established. Further analysis revealed that metacognition was the strongest mediator of this relationship, even when accounting for state and trait anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the relationships between traits of anxiety sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms are partially attributable to the role of metacognition.
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17
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Marino C, Fergus TA, Vieno A, Bottesi G, Ghisi M, Spada MM. Testing the Italian version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale and a metacognitive model of cyberchondria. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 27:581-596. [PMID: 32167214 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cyberchondria refers to the tendency to excessively and compulsively search for online medical information despite the distress experienced, with consequent impairment of daily-life activities. The current two studies sought to explore (i) the factor structure of the Italian version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) and (ii) a metacognitive model of cyberchondria. Participants were Italian community adults who reported using the Internet to search for health-related information (Study 1: N = 374, Study 2: N = 717). Results from Study 1 supported the Italian version of the CSS exhibiting a five-factor structure, with the resulting scales demonstrating good internal consistency, 5-week test-retest reliability, and generally strong correlations with indices of health anxiety. In Study 2, results of a path analysis showed that the negative metacognitive belief domain ("thoughts are uncontrollable") shared the strongest direct association with each of the five dimensions of cyberchondria, followed by beliefs about rituals. Consistently, the strongest indirect associations were found between "thoughts are uncontrollable" and all the five cyberchondria dimensions via beliefs about rituals. These results provide support for an Italian version of the CSS and the metacognitive conceptualization of cyberchondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marino
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Thomas A Fergus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Alessio Vieno
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Ghisi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marcantonio M Spada
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
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18
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Foroughi AA, Mohammadpour M, Khanjani S, Pouyanfard S, Dorouie N, Parvizi Fard AA. Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3). TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2019; 41:254-261. [PMID: 31644692 DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2018-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety sensitivity plays a prominent role in the etiology of anxiety disorders. This construct has attracted widespread interest from experts and researchers. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI-3) is the most common scale for measuring anxiety sensitivity. OBJECTIVE To analyze the psychometric properties and factor structure of the ASI-3 in Iranian student samples. METHODS 220 students (135 women, 85 men) from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences were selected by the convenience sampling method to evaluate the psychometric properties and analyze the factor structure of the ASI-3. The subjects were also asked to complete the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Whiteley Index, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Neuroticism scales. LISREL and SPSS were used to analyze the data. Cronbach's alpha and correlation coefficients were calculated and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. RESULTS The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure with physical, cognitive, and social components (comparative fit index = 0.94; normed fit index = 0.91; root mean square error of approximation = 0.09). The ASI-3 had positive and significant correlations with health anxiety (0.59), intolerance of uncertainty (0.29), and neuroticism (0.51). Furthermore, the ASI-3 had a negative and significant correlation with the AAQII (-0.58). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the whole scale and for the physical, cognitive, and social concerns factors were 0.90, 0.74, 0.79, and 0.78, respectively. The invariance of the index was significant compared to the original English version. CONCLUSION In general, the results support the adequacy of the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the ASI-3. Theoretical and applied implications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbar Foroughi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mohammadpour
- Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sajad Khanjani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Tehran Psychiatric Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Pouyanfard
- Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nadia Dorouie
- Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Parvizi Fard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Manzar MD, Albougami A, Salahuddin M, Sony P, Spence DW, Pandi-Perumal SR. The Mizan meta-memory and meta-concentration scale for students (MMSS): a test of its psychometric validity in a sample of university students. BMC Psychol 2018; 6:59. [PMID: 30563573 PMCID: PMC6299649 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-018-0275-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predisposing factors for metacognitive dysfunctions are common in university students. However, there is currently no valid questionnaire instrument designed to assess metacognitive aspects including meta-memory and meta-concentration in students. To address this need, the present study investigated the psychometric validity of a brief questionnaire, the Mizan meta-memory and meta-concentration scale for students (MMSS) in university students. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was conducted among students (n = 383, age = 18-35, body mass index = 21.2 ± 3.4 kg/m2) of Mizan-Tepi University, Ethiopia. MMSS, a socio-demographics questionnaire, and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were employed. RESULTS No ceiling/floor effect was seen for the MMSS global and its sub-scale scores. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a 2-Factor model had excellent fit. Both, the comparative Fit Index (CFI) and goodness of fit index were above 0.95, while both the standardized root mean square residual and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) were less than 0.05, while χ2/df was less than 3 and PClose was 0.31. The 2-Factor MMSS model had adequate configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariances across gender groups as determined by a CFI > .95, RMSEA<.05, χ2/df < 3, non-significant Δχ2 and/or ΔCFI≤.01. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84, 0.80 and McDonald's Omega =0.84, 0.82) was found for both subscales of the MMSS. No correlations between the MMSS scores and ESS score favored its divergent validity. CONCLUSION The MMSS was found to have favorable psychometric validity for assessing meta-memory and meta-concentration among university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Dilshad Manzar
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, 11952 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrhman Albougami
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, 11952 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Salahuddin
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University (Mizan Campus), Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Peter Sony
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University (Mizan Campus), Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
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20
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Dai L, Bailey R, Deng Y. The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Metacognitions about Health Questionnaire in college students. Qual Life Res 2018; 27:1099-1108. [PMID: 29302850 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-017-1780-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In order to explain the potential mechanism that might motivate and maintain health anxiety (HA), researchers have developed several measures to assess the level of HA and to identify related cognitions and personality features. However, such instruments typically measure general metacognitions [e.g., the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30)], thereby compromising the degree of sensitivity and specificity of measurement as applied to HA-related metacognitions. To address that issue, the Metacognitions about Health Questionnaire (MCQ-HA) was designed especially for measuring metacognitive beliefs specific to HA. Because a Chinese version of MCQ-HA may be helpful in improving our understanding of HA in a Chinese population, in the current study we sought to develop a Chinese version of the MCQ-HA (CMCQ-HA). METHODS We translated the MCQ-HA into Chinese with consideration of cultural diversity. For evaluation of its validity and stability, a sample of 1290 Chinese college students answered the CMCQ-HA, the Short Health Anxiety Inventory, the MCQ-30, and the Neuroticism scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. 292 students of them answered the CMCQ-HA twice. RESULTS Good internal consistency (α = 0.81) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.70) of the CMCQ-HA was presented. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a three-factor structure: beliefs about biased thinking, beliefs that thoughts can cause illness, and beliefs that thoughts are uncontrollable. Convergent validity, divergent validity, and incremental validity all were acceptable. Measurement invariance across gender was established. CONCLUSIONS The CMCQ-HA shows promise for the measurement of specific HA-related metacognitions in Chinese populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Robin Bailey
- School of Health, BB235, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Yunlong Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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21
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Melli G, Bailey R, Carraresi C, Poli A. Metacognitive beliefs as a predictor of health anxiety in a self-reporting Italian clinical sample. Clin Psychol Psychother 2017; 25:263-271. [PMID: 29226504 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Research has supported the specific role that anxiety sensitivity, health-related dysfunctional beliefs, and metacognitive beliefs may play in the development and maintenance of health anxiety symptoms. However, the role of metacognitive beliefs in health anxiety has only been explored in analogue samples. The aim of this study was to explore for the first time the association between metacognitive beliefs and health anxiety symptoms in a sample of participants who reported having received a diagnosis of severe health anxiety (hypochondriasis) or illness anxiety disorder and test whether these beliefs are significant predictors of health anxiety after controlling for anxiety, depression, anxiety sensitivity, and dysfunctional beliefs. A series of dimensional self-report measures were administered to a large Italian sample (N = 458). At a bivariate level, Beliefs that Thoughts are Uncontrollable had a stronger association with health anxiety than any of the dysfunctional beliefs and anxiety sensitivity subscales. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that Beliefs that Thoughts are Uncontrollable predicted health anxiety symptoms over-and-above depression, general anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and health-related dysfunctional beliefs. Despite many important limitations, this study supported the hypothesis that metacognition may have an important role in health anxiety in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Melli
- Department of Surgery, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Carraresi
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Poli
- Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy of Florence (IPSICO), Florence, Italy
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Bailey R, Wells A. Is metacognition a causal moderator of the relationship between catastrophic misinterpretation and health anxiety? A prospective study. Behav Res Ther 2016; 78:43-50. [PMID: 26851713 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Psychological theories have identified a range of variables contributing to health anxiety, including, dysfunctional illness beliefs, catastrophic misinterpretation, somatosensory amplification and neuroticism. More recently, metacognitive beliefs have been proposed as important in health anxiety. This study aimed to test the potential causal role of metacognitive beliefs in health anxiety. A prospective design was employed and participants (n = 105) completed a battery of questionnaire at two time points (6 months apart). Results demonstrated that cognitive, personality and metacognitive variables were bi-variate prospective correlates of health anxiety. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that only metacognitive beliefs emerged as independent and significant prospective predictors of health anxiety. Moderation analysis demonstrated that metacognitive beliefs prospectively moderated the relationship between catastrophic misinterpretation and health anxiety. Follow-up regression analysis incorporating the interaction term (metacognition × misinterpretation) showed that the term explained additional variance in health anxiety. The results confirm that metacognition is a predictor of health anxiety and it is more substantive than misinterpretations of symptoms, somatosensory amplification, neuroticism, and illness beliefs. These results may have major implications for current cognitive models and for the treatment of health anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Bailey
- Division of Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester, Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK; School of Health, BB235, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Adrian Wells
- Division of Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester, Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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