Cognitive and Metacognitive Predictors of Anxiety in Adolescents

Introduction:Anxiety disorders are the most common disorders among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess structural relations between metacognitive beliefs, Meta worry, thought control strategies and anxiety symptoms in adolescents according to metacognition model of anxiety and worry (Wells, 1995, 1997).

Method:The study's research design  is descriptive- correlational .The study population consisted all of first, second and third grade high school of Kermanshah in 2013-2013 academic years. The sample consisted of 391 students that were selected by cluster sampling method. All of samples were in age range of 13-19 years old and completed Metacognitions Questionnaire for children (MCQ-A), Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ), Meta Worry Questionnaire (MWQ) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Results:The data analyzed by Covariance and Path Analysis statistical tests which showed that negative metacognitive beliefs, superstition, punishment and responsibility (SPR) beliefs and Meta worry has direct relationship to anxiety. Also results released that punishment and distraction among subscale of thought control strategies mediate relationship between negative metacognitive beliefs, cognitive monitoring, SPR beliefs, Meta worry and anxiety.

Conclusion: Based on findings this study support metacognitive model of anxiety and worry and showed that beliefs that people have about their thought processes and strategies that they use for control of their cognitive system has important role in onset and maintenance of anxiety. Therefore, modification of metacognitive beliefs and maladaptive strategies to control of unwanted thoughts can be useful in prevention of intensifying and maintenance of anxiety.