Exploring the role of mediation of Meta-Cognitive beliefs on the relationship between Worry and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety in students

Background & Aim: Many researches have studied the relationship between worry and anxiety.The aim of this research was to investigate the mediating role of metacognition in the relationship between worry and symptoms of generalized anxiety. Methods: This study is correlational research. The sample of this study included 246 students of Kashan universities in 2017-2018 academic year. To measure variables Pennsylvania State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: GAD-7 and Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) were used. Then, the data were analyzed using the SPSS-22 and AMOS-22 software. Results: Findings showed a significant relationship between worry and anxiety (r=0/53, P<0.01) worry and metacognition (r=0/49, P<0.01), anxiety and metacognition (r=0/53, P<0.01). The results of the structural equation modeling showed the mediating role of metacognition in the relationship between worry and anxiety. But, path coefficient of positive metacognition and anxiety was not significant, then it was removed from the model. Conclusion: Overall, metacognition plays a mediating role in the relationship between worry and anxiety. These results seem to be applicable in the individual, family, educational, therapeutic and interpersonal mental health.