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Metacognitive beliefs in adolescents with an at‐risk mental state for psychosis
Author(s) -
Welsh Patrick,
CartwrightHatton Sam,
Wells Adrian,
Snow Libby,
Tiffin Paul A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12052
Subject(s) - metacognition , psychology , psychosis , at risk mental state , cognition , clinical psychology , population , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychiatry , medicine , environmental health
Aim The self‐regulatory executive function model suggests that metacognitive beliefs play a role in all forms of psychological disorder, including psychosis. However, our understanding of these beliefs and their relationship with symptoms in adolescents with an at‐risk mental state ( ARMS ) for psychosis is limited. Methods The M etacognitions Q uestionnaire short form ( MCQ ‐30) was administered to 31 adolescents with an identified ARMS . Scores were subsequently compared to a control group of 76 adolescents drawn from a community population. Results A s predicted, ARMS patients scored significantly higher on metacognition subscales, with negative beliefs ( F = 42.97, P = 0.001), cognitive confidence ( F = 17.11, P = 0.001) and need for control ( F = 22.48, P = 0.001) subscales of the MCQ ‐30 distinguishing them from the comparison group. Conclusions The finding that metacognitive beliefs are significantly elevated in comparison to a community sample of adolescents is in keeping with previous adult‐orientated research. Possible implications for clinical practice are discussed.