Metacognitions Questionnaire Research Articles

Metacognitive therapy for binge eating disorder: A case series study

ObjectivesCurrent evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychotherapy for the treatment of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) indicates that there is still a need to improve outcomes by investigating the application of new developments in psychotherapy for the treatment of BED. Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) has been successfully applied for the management of several psychological disorders. However, to date, there has been no published research in the area of MCT for BED.MethodThe current study employed a case series design to explore the application of MCT for BED. Three participants engaged in 12-weeks of MCT treatment.ResultsAll participants no longer met criteria for BED at the end of therapy and displayed significant improvement on the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ) and Binge Eating Scale (BES) at both post‐treatment and at 2‐month follow‐up. Results on the Metacognitive Questionnaire (MCQ‐30) suggest that MCT, as an intervention for BED, may target positive metacognitions and, to a lesser extent, negative metacognitions.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that MCT is a promising intervention in the treatment of BED, warranting further investigation.

Information visualization of metacognitive skills during the software development process based on an adapted engineering design metacognitive questionnaire

In software development, either alone or in a team, there are many aspects that determine the success in developing the software, including each developer’s skills. Studies show that the application of metacognition can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of software development. To measure a metacognition skill, there need to be a metacognition measurement tools. One example of this measurement method is adapted engineering design metacognitive questionnaire. However, the respondents feel that existing tools still have not given them any benefits. This research is conducted to develop an information visualization tools for the metacognition measurement from an adapted engineering design metacognitive questionnaire. The research was performed using qualitative method adapted from the user-centered design approach, which is user requirement analysis, design alternatives, prototyping, and evaluation. The finding suggests that with information visualization, the students as the respondents feel the benefits of filling the EDMQ questionnaire. However, from the design standpoint, there are still numerous things that can be improved to make the visualization more informative.

Metacognition in Cardiac Patients With Anxiety and Depression: Psychometric Performance of the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30).

The evaluation of effective psychological therapies for anxiety and depression in cardiac patients is a priority, and progress in this area depends on the suitability and validity of measures. Metacognitive Therapy is a treatment with established efficacy in mental health settings. It postulates that anxiety and depression are caused by dysfunctional metacognitions, such as those assessed with the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), which impair effective regulation of repetitive negative thinking patterns. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the MCQ-30 in a cardiac sample. A sample of 440 cardiac patients with co-morbid anxiety and/or depression symptoms completed the MCQ-30 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test established factor structures of the MCQ-30: a correlated five-factor model and a bi-factor model. The five-factor model just failed to meet our minimum criteria for an acceptable fit on Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.892 vs. criterion of ≥ 0.9; but was acceptable on the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.061 vs. ≤ 0.08; whereas the bi-factor model just met those criteria (CFI = 0.913; RMSEA = 0.056). These findings suggest that the bi-factor solution may carry additional information beyond the five subscale scores alone. However, such a model needs to be evaluated further before widespread adoption could be recommended. Meantime we recommend cautious continued use of the five-factor model. Structural issues aside, all five subscales demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach alphas > 0.7) and similar relationships to HADS scores as in other patient populations. The MCQ-30 accounted for additional variance in anxiety and depression after controlling for age and gender.

Metacognitive beliefs in individuals at risk for psychosis: asystematic review and meta-analysis of sex differences.

SummaryBackgroundSex differences were found in several domains in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis, but no previous work has systematically reviewed and analysed possible sex differences in metacognition in this population. However, alterations in metacognitive beliefs have been shown in the at-risk mental state for psychosis population. Our aim was to qualitatively review and quantitatively analyse the existing literature for data on sex differences in metacognitive beliefs—mainly depicted by the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ) and its short form (MCQ-30)—in individuals with at-risk mental states.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the literature on metacognition in help-seeking adolescents and young adults at ultra-high risk for psychosis. We included peer-reviewed articles that included a high-risk for psychosis group assessed with operationalised criteria and instruments. For the quantitative meta-analysis, only studies comparing MCQ data in high-risk individuals were included. A fixed-effect meta-model was used and forest plots drawn for each subscale and overall score. The studies were weighted according to the inverse variance method in order to calculate pooled confidence intervals and p values.ResultsNo article on metacognitive beliefs in individuals at increased risk for psychosis explicitly reported possible sex differences. Our meta-analysis of 234 (57% male) individuals’ scores in the MCQ yielded no significant sex difference.ConclusionsCurrently, no sex differences in metacognition can be described in the at-risk population; however, data are insufficient and heterogeneous with regard to thoroughly answering the question whether sex differences in clinical high-risk populations are mirrored in the metacognitive domain.

Dysfunctional metacognition processes as risk factors for drunkorexia during adolescence

Although metacognitive dysfunction has been associated with eating disorders, to our knowledge no study has yet explored the relation between metacognition and drunkorexia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of metacognitive processes in drunkorexia in a sample of adolescents. A total sample of 719 adolescents (353 females, 366 boys; age range 15-20) completed a self-report survey composed of Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale, AUDIT-C, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, and Positive Alcohol Metacognitions Scale. Our results showed that drunkorexia was associated with dysfunctional metacognitive processes; specifically, findings from logistic regression analysis revealed that the metacognitive beliefs in the need to control thoughts, the negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of worrying and the positive metacognitions about alcohol use were significant predictors of drunkorexia. Our study suggests the relevance for prevention efforts to train adolescents to develop alternative self-regulation strategies and more adaptive ways of monitoring thoughts.

Validation of the French version of the « Meta-Cognition Questionnaire » for adolescents (MCQ-Af): Evolution of metacognitive beliefs with age and their links with anxiety during adolescence.

IntroductionThe Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire for Adolescents (MCQ-A) measures individual differences of metacognitive beliefs and monitoring thought to be involved in the onset and maintenance of psychological disorders, especially in those involving anxiety. This assessment tool has been employed in research and clinical settings involving French-speaking adolescents, but appropriate validation has yet to be conducted. This article aims to first validate the francophone version of the MCQ-Af using measures sensitive to the expression of anxiety, and secondly, to examine the influence of age and gender on metacognitive beliefs, anxiety and their links.Method214 adolescents (114 females) between 13 and 17 completed the MCQ-Af (French version) as well as the Revised-Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (R-CMAS), French version, to assess anxiety manifestations. Structural validity was examined with confirmatory factor analyses. Three models were compared to the higher order five factor model proposed in the original validation study. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also performed. Student’s t tests as well as simple and stepwise regressions were conducted to assess for age and gender.ResultsThe five correlated factors retained in the original version of the MCQ were replicated, and confirmatory factor analyses yielded comparable fit indices for a covariate factor model, as well as for a bifactor model. The bifactor model was privileged for theoretical reasons. Analyses were performed on a shortened questionnaire of 27 items as 3 items (2, 12 and 14) had non-significant loadings in prior path analyses. Age and gender differences were found in specific sub-factors of the MCQ-Af; positive and negative metacognitive beliefs seem to increase with age; girls seem to score higher on the negative metacognitive beliefs and thought control dimensions. The study further reports specific links between anxiety manifestation and negative and positive metacognitive beliefs, as well as confidence in one’s memory. A modest influence of age and gender on this link was also highlighted.ConclusionThe present research provides the first evidence that the MCQ-Af is a valid and reliable instrument to assess individual differences of metacognitive beliefs in French-speaking adolescents. Nevertheless, it highlights that caution should be taken in regards of 3 items in particular (items 2, 12 and 14). Furthermore, age and gender in assessed samples of adolescents might influence the scores of the different dimensions of the questionnaire.

The relationship between dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and problematic social networking sites use

Social networking sites (SNSs) enrol new subscribers each day. However, problematic SNS use has undesirable effects on psychological functioning. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to the development of problematic SNS use. Very few studies have focused on revealing the underlying mechanisms of problematic SNS use. Although many past studies have examined the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and Internet addiction, the association between metacognitive beliefs and problematic SNS use has not been adequately explored. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between metacognitive beliefs and problematic SNS use among young adults. A total of 308 individuals participated in this study. A socio-demographic data form, the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS) were administered. Group comparisons were performed using multivariate analysis of covariance. Pearson's correlational and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between metacognitive beliefs and problematic SNS use. The SNS addicts scored higher in all of the SMAS assessments. When compared to non-addicts, SNS addicts obtained higher scores on all the subtests of the SMAS and MCQ-30 except cognitive self-consciousness. The negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of worry, cognitive confidence, and need for control thoughts were associated with SMAS mood modification, relapse and conflict subdimensions. Our findings revealed that dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs are related to problematic SNS use among young adults. These findings indicate that mental health workers should consider the modification of metacognitive beliefs in the treatment of problematic SNS use.

Metacognitive beliefs in depressed in-patients: adaptation and validation of the short version of the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30) for French clinical and non-clinical samples.

The short form of the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30) is a brief multi-dimensional measure which explores the metacognitive processes and beliefs about worry and cognition that are central to the vulnerability and maintenance of emotional disorders. The first aim of the study was to create and validate a French version of the MCQ-30 in a non-clinical and a clinical sample of depressed in-patients. A French adaptation of the MCQ-30 was administered to a sample of 467 individuals from the general population and 73 hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients. Factor structure was assessed using a confirmatory factor analysis on the non-clinical group and a multi-trait-multi-method analysis on the psychiatric group. Criterion validity was explored by comparing the scores of the two samples. Measures of rumination, worry and depression were used to explore convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis in the non-clinical sample indicated that the French version of the MCQ-30 has the same factor structure as the MCQ-30's original five-factor solution. In the clinical sample, the multi-trait-multi-method analysis revealed discrepancies with the original factor structure, and the MCQ-30 and its subscales were less reliable. Our results provide evidence of a convergent validity. The MCQ-30 scores were also able to discriminate between psychiatric and non-clinical samples. Our results show that the French version of the MCQ-30 is a valid instrument for measuring metacognitive beliefs in non-clinical population. Further research is needed to support its use among depressed in-patients.

Assessing metacognitive beliefs in test anxiety: Psychometric properties of the metacognitions questionnaire, 30 (MCQ-30) among university students

The Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) measures maladaptive metacognitive beliefs considered central to the metacognitive model of psychopathology. However, the psychometric properties of the MCQ-30 in test anxiety (TA) among university students are unknown. This study examined the MCQ-30 factor structure and concurrent validity in both trait and state TA. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses support the previously established five-factor structure of the MCQ-30 in both state and trait TA, with factors having good internal consistency. Structural equation modeling of the relationships between MCQ-30 subscales and TA found ‘Negative beliefs about uncontrollability and danger of worry’ to have the strongest association. The MCQ-30 appears a robust measure of metacognitive beliefs in TA and provides a basis for further testing of the validity of the metacognitive model in TA. Extending the reach of metacognitive therapy, which is based upon the metacognitive model, to TA could help to improve both student wellbeing and academic performance.

What's Sex Got to Do With It? Associations Between Sexual Intrusive Thoughts, Gender, and Metacognition

Although sexual intrusive thoughts (SITs) are often studied in combination with other intrusions, little is known about the metacognitive processes that are specific to SITs. The present study evaluated sexual versus non-SIT frequency in relation to two main factors: gender and general negative beliefs (GNB), a component of metacognition involving beliefs about the consequences of failing to control thoughts. A nonclinical sample of 286 undergraduate students completed the Revised Obsessional Intrusions Inventory-Sex Version and the Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire. Results indicated main effects for GNB and a significant interaction between gender and GNB for SITs. More specifically, frequency of SITs was significantly higher for males, as well as for participants with higher GNB. In contrast, analyses for non-SITs revealed a main effect for GNB, but no main effects for gender or a significant interaction. These findings suggest a link between high GNB and increased SIT and non-SIT frequency. Moreover, gender may function as a moderator between GNB and SIT frequency. Further characterizing the effects of gender and GNB may help in form treatments for disorders involving clinically significant SITs.

Comparison of Vaginal Penetration Cognitions and Metacognitions Between Women With Genito-Pelvic Pain and Penetration Disorder and Healthy Controls

BackgroundInvestigation of vaginal penetration cognitions and metacognitive beliefs in genito-pelvic pain and penetration disorder (GPPPD) could be important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of sexual disorders. AimThe aim of this study was to compare healthy controls and GPPPD women for vaginal penetration cognitions and metacognitions. MethodsOutpatients with GPPPD (n = 135) and healthy controls (n = 136) were evaluated with Sociodemographic Data Form, Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (SCID-I), SCID nonpatient version, Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction Female Form (GRISS), Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire, Metacognitions Questionnaire (MQ), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), SCID and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). OutcomesThe relationship between metacognitions and vaginal penetration cognitions was detected, and patients with GPPPD and healthy controls were compared for metacognitions. ResultsThe MQ total score and all MQ subdimension scores other than positive beliefs about worry of GPPPD were found to be significantly higher in the GPPPD group than in controls. All Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire subdimension scores except positive cognitions for penetration score were significantly higher in patients with GPPPD than in controls. The total and frequency of sexuality, sexual communication between partners, avoidance of sexuality, nonsensuality, vaginismus, satisfaction, and anorgasmia subscores of the GRISS were significantly higher in the GPPPD group. Cognitive self-consciousness, need for controlling thoughts, and HAM-D values had a significant and independent effect on distinguishing the patients with GPPPD from the controls. Clinical ImplicationsOur results may be important to address the metacognitions in the treatment of women with GPPPD. Strengths & LimitationsThe strengths are large-sample case and control groups, comparison with the control group using both clinical interviews and scale evaluations, diagnosis of GPPPD using clinical interviews and with 2 validated scales, exclusion of patients with depression and anxiety disorders, and evaluation of metacognitions not affected by concomitant disorders. The cross-sectional nature of our study and the fact that it was performed only in treatment-seeking groups and recruitment of hospital workers' relatives as a control group were limitations of the study. ConclusionIn addition to the behavioral components of GPPPD treatment, the emphasis on metacognitions especially in the treatment process may have a positive effect on treatment.Teksin Ünal G, Şahmelikoğlu Onur Ö, Erten E. Comparison of Vaginal Penetration Cognitions and Metacognitions Between Women With Genito-Pelvic Pain and Penetration Disorder and Healthy Controls. J Sex Med 2020;17:964–974.

Metacognitive Beliefs as Predictors of Return to Work After Intensive Return-to-Work Rehabilitation in Patients With Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue and Common Psychological Disorders: Results From a Prospective Trial

BackgroundMetacognitions are associated with work status, but no research has examined to what extent metacognitions before treatment and change in metacognitions following treatment predict return to work (RTW) prospectively. The present study aims to address these two gaps in knowledge.Methods212 patients on long-term sick leave (>8 weeks) with extensive fatigue, chronic pain conditions and/or mental distress received 3.5 weeks of intensive rehabilitation treatment, aimed at returning them to work. Only part of the population (n = 137) had complete follow-up data on metacognitions. Metacognitions were measured with the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), while RTW was measured using official registry data from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Service. A registry record of participation in competitive work ≥2.5 days (50% work participation) per week, averaging over 14 weeks, was chosen as an outcome reflecting a successful RTW. The registry data spanned a total of 56 weeks per participant.ResultsOur results indicated that baseline MCQ scores was not associated with RTW. This was analyzed for the total MCQ score as well as for all subscales. We observed substantial changes in metacognitions following treatment, and a 1-point change in the total sum of metacognitive beliefs was associated with 5% greater odds for successful RTW at all time points (p = 0.040), while a 1-point change on the subscale of beliefs about the need to control thoughts gave 20% greater odds for successful RTW (p = 0.016).ConclusionMetacognitions concerning the need to control thoughts appear to have a significant influence on patients return to work. Here, we observed that a change in these beliefs following treatment substantially affected RTW over the course of 1 year.

Cognitive and Metacognitive Impairments of Drug Addicted, Internet Addicted and Normal Individuals in Youth Ages: A Comparative Study

Background: Drug dependence or Internet addiction are among the major concerns of today's world. Studies indicate that using drugs and Internet addiction have a profound effect on cognition and by affecting the cognitive function, increase the likelihood of cognitive impairments among people. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare cognitive and metacognitive impairments among three groups -drug addicted, people with Internet addiction and normal groups. Patients and Methods: The study was causal-comparative and the population were three groups. The first group were all healthy university students, the second group were drug addicted people and the third group were those with Internet addiction. The total sample size was 180 people who were selected using simple random sampling method. Data was collected using meta-cognitive questionnaire (MCQ), cognitive failure questionnaire (CFQ), and Young's internet addiction test (IAT). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Schefft’s post hoc applying SPSS V. 23. Results: Results showed that negative thoughts, distractibility, blunders and all uncontrollability components were highest among the drug-addicted people and students with Internet addiction (P ≤ 0.01). The difference in the components of positive beliefs, cognitive self-consciousness and cognitive trust in all three groups was confirmed and the highest mean was in the normal group (P ≤ 0.01). Ultimately, memory-related deficiencies and lack of recalling names were in the highest level among the students with Internet addiction (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusions: Results illuminate the role of cognitive and metacognitive beliefs in the emergence and persistence of any type of addiction. Therefore, it is recommended to start school-related behavioral and mind control training to prevent addiction and high-risk behaviors.

Development and Initial Evaluation of the Craving Metacognition Scale

ObjectiveRecent craving research has focused on individuals' beliefs about cravings. Yet, measures about craving beliefs have rarely been compared with other craving belief measures or measures of craving itself. We aimed to develop a craving metacognition measure with a simple factor structure that could be used by people with a range of alcohol use patterns. This article introduces the Craving Metacognition Scale, a measure of individuals' craving metacognitions.MethodItems were generated based on specific beliefs and attitudes related to craving and drinking, sourced from existing questionnaires and edited to emphasise metacognitive appraisal. Two samples tested the scale: one of individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use issues (n = 115) and the other of undergraduate students who drank regularly (n = 92). The items were refined based on contribution to the total score and divergence from existing measures.ResultsThe final 13‐item scale showed strong internal consistency (α = .93) and good convergence with existing measures, such as the Jellinek Alcohol Craving Questionnaire‐now (Pearson's r = .698) and the Metacognition Questionnaire for Alcohol Abusers subscales (between r = .602 and r = .811).ConclusionsThe Craving Metacognition Scale shows preliminary evidence of psychometric validity. It has a simple factor structure that measures craving metacognitions reported by individuals with a range of drinking habits.

A hypothetical model of pain perception in patients with chronic pain: The predictive role of unconscious, emotional, behavioral and meta-cognitive factors

ObjectiveChronic pain has a great prevalence in the society of adults which causes important problems for health and quality of life. The present study aims to investigate a hypothetical model of pain perception in patients with chronic pain, considering the role of unconscious, emotional, behavioral and meta-cognitive factors. MethodsA total of 391 patients (155 males, 236 females) who referred to the pain centers in Tehran suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain, participated in the study. Participants were asked to complete the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), The Inhibition/Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS), Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). ResultsThe results revealed that the model could anticipate the intensity of pain in patients with chronic pain. Immature defense style, behavioral inhibition system, alexithymia, and meta-cognitive beliefs predicted the intensity of pain in patients with chronic pain. ConclusionEvaluation of results indicated that the perception of the intensity of pain in patients with chronic pain, is affected by unconscious, emotional, behavioral and meta-cognitive factors.

Citalopram and metacognitive therapy for depressive symptoms and cognitive emotion regulation in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND:Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a new psychotherapy for depression. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of citalopram and MCT on major depressive disorders (MDDs).MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 36 patients with MDD were randomly assigned into three groups of citalopram (n = 12), MCT (n = 16), and control (n = 8). MCT group received ten sessions of metacognition therapy. Citalopram group received 20–40 mg citalopram, and the control group did not receive any interventions. Outcomes were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Metacognition Questionnaire-30, and Cognitive-Emotion Regulation (CER) Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with ANCOVA using SPSS version 18.RESULTS:Depression score reduction was significant in both citalopram and metacognitive groups (P < 0.05). However, there was only a statistically significant difference between MCT and control group in CER and metacognition.CONCLUSION:MCT and citalopram both are effective in symptom reduction in MDD. Furthermore, MCT could lead to more improvement in metacognition, depression symptoms, and CER than citalopram, when treating MDDs.

Agorafobinin eslik ettigi ve etmedigi panik bozukluk ile agorafobinin bilissel ozellikler acisindan karsilastirilmasi

Panic disorder (PD) and Agoraphobia (AG) exhibit both similar and distinct cognitive features. The aim of this study was to compare patients with PD, AG and panic disorder with agoraphobia (PBA) in terms of agoraphobic cognitions, body sensations, catastrophic cognitions, and meta-cognitions. 64 PDA, 52 AG, and 36 PD patients were included in the study. The Structural Clinical Interview for Axis-I (SCID-I), Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ), Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ), Catastrophic Cognitions Questionnaire (CCQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ) were administered to the participants. Chi-square test and Kruskal Wallis analysis were used to compare sociodemographic data and scale scores between the three groups. The results showed that ACQ total scores of the PDA group were significantly higher compared to the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences between PD, AG and PDA groups in terms of BSQ, CCQ, and MCQ total scores. BDI total scores of PD group were significantly lower than AG and PDA groups. BAI total scores of PDA group were significantly higher compared to the other groups. Studies on cognitive features among patients with PD, AG or PDA will contribute to cognitive behavioral models and treatment process of these disorders.

Cognitive Distortions and Theory of Mind in Mothers with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by social and unsocial difficulties. The psychiatric disease in parents with ASD diagnosed children were mostly anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder. Although studies were conducted on metacognition, the theory of mind in families for ASD, no studies were detected in which they were evaluated together. This study aimed to examine the metacognition, theory of mind, non-functional attitudes, and automatic thoughts of mothers with children diagnosed with ASD by comparing these mothers with mothers who had healthy children. Methods: A total of 50 mothers with children diagnosed with ASD and 50 healthy control group were included in our study. The Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS), Metacognition Questionnaire (MCQ-30), Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Scale-Eyes Test (RMET) were applied to the participants. Results: No significant differences were detected among the sociodemographic data of the participants. The mean age of the mothers with ASD-diagnosed children was 34.9±5.16, and that of the mothers with healthy children was 35.54±9.45. Both anxiety and depression scores of the mothers with ASD-diagnosed children were calculated as higher than the healthy control group (p values were calculated as p

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Thought-Action Fusion-Child Version (TAFIC)

OBJECTIVE: The concept of thought-action fusion has long been recognized as a cognitive vulnerability factor for psyhopathology that given its clinical relevance and importance reliable assessment of this phenomenon seems to be essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Thought-Action Fusion Inventory for Children (TAFIC) among Turkish children and adolescents. METHODS: Five hundred and ninety-one subjects (mean age=14.16±2.08 years) participated in the study. Voluntered subjects completed the TAFIC, Magical Ideation Scale (MIS), Child Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders Revised–Child Self-Report (SCARED-R-CV), and Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MCQ-C). RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the original four-factor structure excellently fit the data on the Turkish version of the TAFIC. Internal reliability of the instrument was acceptable to excellent, with Kuder-Richardson coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.89. The convergent validity of the TAFIC was adequate, with significant correlation coefficients with magical ideation, meta-cognitions, depression, and anxiety related emotional problems. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, we concluded that the Turkish version of the TAFIC has promising psychometric properties in assessing thought-action fusion among children and adolescents.

Metacognitions and Mindfulness in Athletes: An Investigation on the Determinants of Flow

This study investigated triathletes’ metacognitions and mindfulness traits (N = 232) measured prior to competition, and flow (N = 63), post competition. The primary aim was to investigate whether metacognitions (measured by the Metacognitions Questionnaire) would associate with mindfulness facets (measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire – Short Form), and metacognitions would also predict flow scores (measured by the Short Flow State Scale), over and above mindfulness facets. Regression analyses showed that metacognitions individually predicted mindfulness facets. A hierarchical regression showed that positive beliefs about worry negatively predicted flow, while a lack of cognitive confidence, beliefs about the need for thought control and acting with awareness positively predicted flow. These findings indicate that a) metacognitive beliefs are influential to cognitive predispositions, b) typically dysfunctional metacognitions may play a different role in competitive environments, and c) metacognitions may play a more important role in the occurrence of flow, than mindfulness.