Beliefs and Metacognitive State, Inhibitor or Facilitator of Worry

Metacognition is one of the highest level cognitive process which has positive association with other cognitive function. On the other hand, it is considered as one of the basic factor in most psychopathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate any possible inhibitory or facilitatory role of metacognitive components of worry. In this correlation study, first,318 high school students were chosen by cluster sampling method from 6 educational regions of Tehran.Then, They were asked to fill in the following questionnaires: Wells & Cartwright – Hatton metacognitive beliefs questionnaire (2004), Onell&Abedi metacognitive State questionnaire (1996) and Meyer et al worry questionnaire (1990).Separate sets of correlation and stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that there was a positive correlation between metacognitive beliefs and worry. On the other hand, there was a negative relationship between metacognitive state and worry. Four metacognitive components (uncontrollability, self- monitoring, need to control and cognitive competence) predict %46 of variance of worry. It was also shown that uncontrollability, need to control and cognitive competence were positively correlated with worry, whilst self- monitoring was negatively correlated with worry. According to the findings of the present study, metacognitive beliefs and metacognitive state are both associated with worry in a different way. However, manipulation of metacognitive components using interventional training would reduce and control worry in worriers.