Comparing Metacognitive Beliefs and Thought Control Strategies among Iranian Students with Three Personality Types

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between metacognitive beliefs, thought control strategies and personality type. Method: Participants were 135 students of medical sciences in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The subjects were evaluated using Friedman and Rosenman questionnaire, Type D personality scale (DS14), Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30), and Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ). Data were analysed using MANOVA and Tukey’s range test in SPSS software. Results: The results of our study showed that there was a significant difference among students with Type B and Type D personalities in terms of “positive beliefs about worry” and “beliefs about uncontrollability of thought and danger”. Also, from among subscales of thought control strategies, all three type of personalities differed from each other in terms of “distraction”, “worry” and “punishment”. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between Type A and B, and Type A and D personalities in terms of “distraction” and between Type D and B personalities in terms of “worry”. Conclusion: It was concluded that there is a significant difference in metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies among Iranian students with Type A, B, and D personality.