Metacognitive Therapy for People Experiencing Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Multiple Case-Series Study.

After mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), a subgroup of individuals experience persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) that include headaches, cognitive difficulties, and fatigue. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate possible effects associated with metacognitive therapy (MCT) on PPCS, maladaptive coping strategies, and positive and negative metacognitive beliefs following mTBI. A pre-post design supplemented with single-case A-B replication series to assess potential MCT mechanisms was used. Of the nine participants who received MCT, all experienced a decrease in PPCS, which constituted a reliable improvement for eight participants. For eight participants (we could calculate effect sizes for eight out of nine participants), moderate to very large decreases in maladaptive coping styles and positive and negative metacognitive beliefs were observed. However, based on visual analyses, participants 6, 8, and 9 show a downward baseline trend regarding MCT mechanisms that may have persisted into the intervention phase. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, MCT was associated with improvements in PPCS and unhelpful psychological mechanisms, but caution is required in interpreting this association. Future research using formal single-case replication on symptom measures and randomized controlled trials appears to be justified.

A study of clinical correlates and predictors of insight in obsessive compulsive disorder.

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous psychiatric disorder in terms of symptom content and insight. Aim: To study the various factors associated with insight in OCD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 40 patients with OCD who were evaluated on Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale, Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF, and Sheehan Disability Scale. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: Metacognition, severity of OCD, and associated disability were the significant predictors for insight in patients with OCD. Conclusion: Factors associated with insight in OCD can enhance our understanding in the management of OCD.

The relationship between insecure attachment and nicotine dependence among users of classic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products: a moderated mediation model.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has investigated the association between attachment styles and smoking behaviors, indicating a positive association of insecure attachment styles with nicotine dependence. However, these links were mostly explored in adolescent and student samples. Moreover, the explanatory mechanisms and the variables influencing the strength of this relationship remained understudied. In this context, the present study aims to: (1) examine the associations between attachment anxiety, avoidance, and nicotine dependence; (2) investigate the mediating role of emotion dysregulation and metacognitions about smoking; and (3) test the moderating roles of psychological capital and type of tobacco product used by the participants. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 447 participants who reported smoking. The age range of participants was 18 to 64 (M = 26.76; 59.7% women). All participants have completed five questionnaires measuring nicotine dependence, adult attachment, emotion dysregulation, metacognitions about smoking, and psychological capital. They also reported the type of tobacco product commonly used: classic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco products. RESULTS: Our findings show that the direct link between insecure attachment and nicotine dependence is rather inconsistent. However, it was mediated by the metacognitions about smoking. Psychological capital can act as a protective factor against the effects of attachment on nicotine dependence, especially for those using alternative tobacco products alongside classic cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the possibility of developing better-tailored interventions and treatments to discourage smoking and increase smoking cessation. These should focus on eliminating the dysfunctional beliefs related to the metacognitions about smoking and on improving the levels of psychological capital. In addition, targeting attachment insecurities in early adolescence can also function as a mean to prevent smoking.

The associations among type D personality and nomophobia, metacognitions about smartphone use, smartphone addiction in Chinese university freshmen: a two-wave study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations of Type D personality and smartphone addiction, while also exploring the mediating roles of nomophobia and metacognitions about smartphone use. METHODS: Type D Personality Scale-14 (T1), Nomophobia Questionnaire (T2), Metacognitions about Smartphone Use Questionnaire (T2) and Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (T2) were applied at two time points. 653 university freshmen (Mage= 18.56, SD = 0.65) from a university in China were surveyed. RESULTS: (1) Type D personality was significantly and positively correlated with nomophobia, negative metacognition, and smartphone addiction. In contrast, the correlation between Type D personality and positive metacognition did not reach the significant level. (2) Compared with individuals with non-Type D personality, those with Type D personality scored significantly higher on nomophobia, negative metacognition, and smartphone addiction. However, the difference was not significant for positive metacognition. (3) Nomophobia and metacognitions about smartphone use fully mediated the relationship between Type D personality and smartphone addiction. While the mediating effects of nomophobia and negative metacognition were significant, the mediating effect of positive metacognition was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Type D personality can not only affect smartphone addiction directly but also indirectly through nomophobia and negative metacognition. Therefore, to prevent and intervene in smartphone addiction, we can start from both affect (nomophobia) and metacognition (negative metacognitions about smartphone use).

Cognitive, Metacognitive, Motivational, and Emotional Predictors of the Intensity of Internet Gaming Disorder among Adolescents.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is multifaceted and can have significant negative consequences. The present study examined the contribution of cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional factors as predictors for IGD severity. In a cross-sectional study, 703 Iranian adolescents (36.8% females, mean age = 16.98 years [SD = 1.23]) completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and emotional factors predicted 7.8%, 17.4%, 1.4%, and 1.9% of the variance in IGD symptoms, respectively. The findings indicated that the cognitive factors including some maladaptive cognitions, such as cognitive salience, regret, and perfectionism, and metacognitive factors including some maladaptive metacognitions (negative metacognitions regarding the uncontrollability of online gaming and negative metacognitions regarding the dangers of online gaming) were significant predictors of IGD severity, highlighting their importance in understanding and predicting problematic gaming behaviors. Although contributing to the variance in IGD, motivational factors (escape, coping, and skill development) and emotional factors including emotion regulation (especially reappraisal) played relatively smaller roles compared to cognitive and metacognitive factors. Of the examined predictive factors, metacognitions were the most important predictor of IGD severity. Exploratory moderator analyses showed significant interactions between three predictors of IGD (reappraisal, negative metacognitions, and cognitive salience) with loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Reappraisal was the most frequent predictor and had a significant interaction with these variables. Other predictors independently impacted IGD irrespective of the level of loneliness, stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. Based on these findings, special attention to metacognitive, cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors is suggested in the treatment of IGD.

Group based metacognitive therapy for alcohol use disorder: a pilot study.

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe clinical disorder, which has been associated with 5.3% of death worldwide. Although several treatments have been developed to improve AUD symptomatology, treatment effects were moderate, with a certain amount of patients displaying symptom deterioration after treatment termination. Moreover, outpatient treatment placements become increasingly scarce, thus necessitating more efficient treatment options. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a newly invented, short, group based metacognitive therapy (MCT) for patients diagnosed with AUD. Method: Seven patients were treated with eight sessions of group based MCT using a single case series design with an A-B replication across patients. Patients were assessed one month and one week before treatment, as well as one week and three months after treatment termination. Results: Patients improved significantly and with large effect sizes regarding dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, desire thinking/craving and depressive symptoms up to three months after treatment termination. AUD symptomatology as well as positive and negative metacognitive beliefs improved at post-treatment, but improvements could not be maintained at follow-up. All included patients completed the treatment and were highly satisfied. Conclusion: The presented findings show preliminary evidence for the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of the implemented group based MCT treatment. Large scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm the effectiveness of the developed program for patients diagnosed with AUD.

The Independent Contribution of Positive and Negative Metacognitions About Smoking to Urge to Smoke, Withdrawal Symptoms and Dependence in Smoking-Dependent Men.

Previous research has indicated that various factors, such as psychological distress, distress intolerance, anhedonia, impulsivity and smoking metacognitions, have been individually linked to the urge to smoke, withdrawal symptoms and dependence. However, these factors have not been collectively examined to determine whether smoking metacognitions independently and significantly contribute to these outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of distress intolerance, anhedonia, impulsivity and smoking metacognitions on the urge to smoke, withdrawal symptoms and dependency in men who are dependent on smoking. A total of 300 smoking-dependent men completed psychological scales and smoking-related measures. The findings of the study indicated that positive metacognitions about emotion regulation significantly predicted the urge to smoke, even when accounting for other significant predictors such as the number of daily cigarettes smoked, psychological distress, anhedonia and impulsivity. Furthermore, positive metacognitions about cognitive regulation were found to be a significant predictor of withdrawal symptoms, independent of other significant predictors such as psychological distress and the urge to smoke. Smoking dependence was predicted by negative metacognitions about uncontrollability beyond other significant predictors, including the number of daily cigarettes smoked and distress intolerance. These results highlight the role of metacognitions about smoking in both short- and long-term clinical outcomes related to smoking. Consequently, addressing such beliefs during treatment for smoking dependence should be an important therapeutic goal.

Psychometric Properties of the Metacognitions About Online Gaming Scale in the Chinese Population and Its Relationship With Internet Gaming Disorder: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Metacognitions about online gaming have been shown to be correlated with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Knowledge of metacognitions about online gaming can help to understand IGD. The Metacognitions about Online Gaming Scale (MOGS) is a reliable and valid tool to measure specific metacognitions about online gaming in both adults and adolescents, which is lacking in China. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the MOGS (C-MOGS) and its relationship with IGD in the Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 772 Chinese individuals (age: mean 21.70, SD 8.81 years; age range: 13-57 years; 458/772, 59.3% male) completed a web-based questionnaire survey, including the C-MOGS and a battery of validated scales measuring IGD, gaming motives, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, the 3-factor structure was confirmed to have adequate model fit and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach α≥.799, Guttman split-half coefficients≥0.754). Concurrent validity of the C-MOGS was supported by its correlations with IGD (P<.001), gaming motives (P<.001), depression (P<.001), and anxiety (P<.001). Furthermore, the incremental validity analysis showed that the C-MOGS predicted 13% of the variance in IGD while controlling for gender, age, weekly gaming hours, gaming motives, depression, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the psychometric properties of the C-MOGS are appropriate and emphasizes its positive association with IGD. The C-MOGS is a reliable and valid instrument for mental health workers to assess metacognitions about online gaming in the Chinese population.

A systematic review of the relationship between generic and specific metacognitive beliefs and emotion dysregulation: A metacognitive model of emotion dysregulation.

Although a probable association between metacognitive beliefs (also termed 'metacognitions') and emotion dysregulation has been suggested in the literature, the evidence is still sparse and inconclusive. The current study aims to present a comprehensive evaluation of the literature examining the association between metacognitive beliefs and emotion dysregulation. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, a search was conducted on PubMed and Ebsco. A manual search of reference lists was also run. Search terms were 'metacognitions/metacognitive beliefs/positive metacognitive beliefs/negative metacognitive beliefs/cognitive self-consciousness/beliefs about the need to control thoughts/cognitive confidence/negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger/AND difficulties emotion regulation/emotion dysregulation'. A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. In both non-clinical and clinical populations, a higher endorsement of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs was found to be associated with emotion dysregulation and vice versa. A higher endorsement of metacognitive beliefs may be associated, either directly or via maladaptive forms of mental control (e.g., worry, rumination and suppression) to emotion dysregulation. Metacognitive beliefs could be the potential therapeutic target in clinical interventions aimed at reducing emotion regulation difficulties.

A three-wave longitudinal study on the underlying metacognitive mechanism between depression and Internet gaming disorder.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and depression have negative consequences on individuals' mental health, but their relationships are complex. This three-wave longitudinal study aimed to detect the metacognitive mechanisms underlying the association between IGD tendency and depression based on the self-regulatory executive function model. METHODS: A total of 1,243 Chinese undergraduate student gamers (57% female, M = 19.77, SD = 1.29) were recruited at the baseline survey (Wave 1 [W1]), with 622 and 574 of them taking part in the two follow-up surveys (Wave 2 [W2] at 6 and Wave 3 [W3] at 12 months later), respectively. RESULTS: The three-wave path model demonstrated, after controlling for the autoregressive effect of each variable, that depression consistently predicted IGD tendency but not vice versa, while negative but not positive metacognitions about online gaming (MOG) significantly predicted both depression and IGD tendency. Moreover, two statistically significant mediation paths: (i) negative MOG [W1] → depression [W2] → IGD tendency [W3]; and (ii) depression [W1] → negative MOG [W2] → IGD tendency [W3] were identified. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend the understanding of the associations among depression, IGD tendency, and MOG, highlighting how negative MOG has a stronger prospective effect than positive MOG on depression and IGD tendency, and also reveal the mutual mediation effects of depression and negative MOG on IGD tendency. Integrated programmes with both emotional regulation training and Metacognitive Therapy are recommended for IGD treatment.

Metacognition as a Mediator for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Following Childhood Stressful Life Events: An Examination of the Construct Validity of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Both cognitive and metacognitive theories implicate posttraumatic metacognition as an important factor in the maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) following stressful life events (SLEs). The Metacognitions Questionnaire-posttraumatic stress disorder (MCQ-PTSD; Wells, 2009) was previously developed to assess for metacognitions specific to SLEs and resulting PTSS. This study aimed to examine the construct validity of this measure in the context of childhood SLEs specifically. First, we confirmed the factor structure underlying the MCQ-PTSD in our sample. We then assessed whether the MCQ-PTSD would function as expected based on a theoretical model in which, controlling for posttraumatic cognitions, posttraumatic metacognitions were expected to mediate the relationship between childhood SLEs and PTSS. Using data from a racially diverse sample of undergraduate psychology students (N = 402; Agemean = 19.38 ± 1.81) at a large Midwestern university, the two-factor structure of the MCQ-PTSD was confirmed. Among participants who endorsed clinically significant experience of childhood SLEs (n = 203; Agemean = 19.49 ± 1.94), negative metacognitions mediated the relationships of emotional and sexual abuse with PTSS, when controlling for other posttraumatic cognitions. These relationships were not observed for positive metacognitions. These results are consistent with a metacognitive model for PTSD and suggest that the MCQ-PTSD may be a valid measure of posttraumatic metacognitions following childhood SLEs.

The relationship between metacognitive processes and cognitive performances in older adults with no significant impairment: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Metacognitive dysfunctions have been implicated in several neuropsychiatric conditions, while cognitive performances have been evaluated by measuring cognitive domains in older adults. This study investigated a relationship between metacognitive processes and cognitive performances in older adults. METHODS: A sociodemographic form, the Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) and the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) were applied to participants aged >65 years who had no significant cognitive decline defined as normal or with mild cognitive impairment. RESULTS: 'Negative beliefs about worry' and 'need to control thoughts' domains of MCQ-30 were related to cognitive performance measured with SMMSE. Increased negative beliefs about worry were a predicting factor for total cognitive performance as a means of contributing to cognitive impairment, whereas an increased need to control thoughts was related to having a less likely cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Metacognitive dysfunctional processes, in particular about worry, might contribute to determining more decent outcomes for cognitive conditions in older adults with no significant cognitive dysfunction.

The Application of the Metacognitive Model of Desire Thinking and Craving in Problematic Social Networking Sites Use.

Cognitive models of addictive behaviours have highlighted the central role of Desire Thinking (DT) - a conscious and voluntary cognitive process orienting to prefigure images and information about a positive target-related experience - in increasing craving and maintaining addictive behaviors. The metacognitive model of DT and craving posits that metacognition plays a central role in understanding dysregulation in DT. The current study aims to test the role of metacognitions about DT, DT, and craving in the relationship between Fear of Missing Out (FoMo), boredom proneness, negative emotional reactivity and Problematic Social Network Sites Use (PSNSU). A sample of 529 participants (Mage= 32.45 ± 13.33; F = 62.9%) completed an online survey. The hypothesised model produced an adequate fit to the data and accounted for 86% of PSNSU variance. FoMO predicted positive metacognitions about DT (PMDT), which predicted DT that, in association with craving, predicted PSNSU. Boredom proneness positively predicted PSNSU directly and indirectly through the serial mediation of PMDT, DT, and craving. A direct path between negative emotional reactivity and PSNSU was found. The current findings provide preliminary evidence for applying the metacognitive model of DT and craving in PSNSU. PMDT and DT may be central cognitive processes in craving and PSNSU for individuals who experience boredom proneness and FoMo.

Association between time perspective and metacognition among Lebanese adults: the mediating role of mindfulness.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness may serve as a component of metacognitive beliefs and can also be viewed as a form of time perspective. The interplay between time perspective and metacognitive beliefs remains understudied. Both aspects, however, display considerable stability over time and significantly influence an individual's life and well-being. Lebanon, marked by its diverse and complex history, struggles with various political, social, and economic challenges. This study offers a valuable and unprecedented opportunity to examine these connections within a distinct cultural context, shedding light on the unique experiences of the Lebanese population. Therefore, our research aims to investigate the connection between time perspective and metacognition, with a focus on the role of mindfulness as a mediator. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2022 and involved participants from various regions of Lebanon. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data and scales such as the Arabic versions of the 15-item Short Form of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Metacognitions Questionnaire, the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-2). RESULTS: Our investigation recruited 423 participants. The analysis showed that individuals with a positive stance on their past, a hedonistic present, or a future-oriented outlook exhibited heightened levels of mindfulness. This elevated state of mindfulness, in turn, demonstrated a significant link to augmented cognitive self-consciousness (An increased introspection into one's own thoughts). We also observed a direct association between a future-focused time perspective and high scores of cognitive self-consciousness. Furthermore, mindfulness emerged as a crucial mediator in the relationships between time perspectives and negative beliefs about the danger of worry. Similarly, individuals with a positive view on their past, a hedonistic present orientation, or a future-focused mindset demonstrated elevated levels of mindfulness, which was correlated with less negative beliefs about the danger of worry. Notably, a positive past perspective was directly associated with less negative views on worry and the subsequent loss of control, whereas higher future focused time perspective scores was significantly and directly associated with more negative beliefs about worry, whereas more future focused time perspective was significantly and directly associated with more negative beliefs about worry. CONCLUSION: Our findings found several meaningful associations between our variables, but it primarily underscored the significance of considering distinct subcomponents within mindfulness and psychopathological metacognition that may overlap, shedding light on their differential impacts on psychological well-being. We were also able to mirror the dual pathway theory of time perspective suggested in previous studies. These insights carry notable implications for the development and refinement of mindfulness-based and metacognitive interventions, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that consider varying time perspectives. Continued investigation in this area promises to advance our understanding of these constructs and refine their practical applications in mental health interventions and well-being enhancement strategies.

Metacognitions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a psychometric study of the metacognitions questionnaire-30.

The metacognitions questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) was developed for the assessment of metacognitive beliefs and processes that are central components of the metacognitive model of emotional disorders. Anxiety and depression commonly occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Testing such a model for anxiety and depression in patients with COPD is warranted. However, the psychometric properties of the MCQ-30 in COPD patients are unknown. Therefore, in this study we aimed to examine these properties in COPD patients. The MCQ-30 was administered to 203 COPD patients referred to a rehabilitation unit in respiratory medicine. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the five-factor as well as the bi-factor models of MCQ-30. Exploratory factor analyses were also performed. Both models did not meet the criteria for an acceptable fit on Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.810 and 0.858 vs. criterion of ≥0.9, but the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) criterion ≤0.08 was acceptable for both models with RMSEA = 0.074 and 0.066, respectively. The factors were mostly moderately correlated (0.41-0.58) with acceptable reliability coefficients (0.73-0.87). The exploratory factor analysis identified three of the five factors originally described in the five-factor model of the MCQ-30. These data show that the factor structure of the MCQ-30 appears to differ from that of the original instrument in COPD patients and further studies are needed to confirm its validity and reliability in this patient group.

Risk factors for Internet Gaming Disorder: Testing the contribution of metacognitions, stress, and coping.

Engaging in online gaming is often considered as an avoidance strategy to cope with stress. This study aimed to test whether metacognitions make a unique contribution and which of them is/are the most salient to explaining Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) tendency after controlling for age, gender, and stress. We further explored the structure of relationships between these variables by testing a metacognitively mediated stress-IGD model. A convenience sample of 1255 Chinese young adults with gaming experience (age ranged from 18 to 27; 57.0% females) completed an anonymous online questionnaire in June 2021. Each metacognitions subscale was positively correlated with IGD tendency, whilst cognitive confidence and positive beliefs about worry were identified as the most salient dimensions among metacognitions for IGD tendency after controlling for demographics and stress. The mediation path model showed acceptable fit after implementing minor modifications. The bootstrapping results showed that the effect of stress on IGD tendency was fully mediated, with metacognitions and escape motivation as independent mediators. In the model, the paths from both positive metacognitions and uncontrollability/danger metacognitions to escape motivation (and in turn IGD) remained significant, whilst the path between cognitive confidence and IGD also remained significant. The findings suggest revisions to the stress-coping model consistent with self-regulatory executive function theory, and advance our understanding of the potential risk factors linking stress to problematic gaming. Enhancing individuals' capacity for metacognitive regulation may be an effective approach for future IGD preventive interventions among Chinese young gamers.

Problematic smartphone use and sleep disturbance: the roles of metacognitions, desire thinking, and emotion regulation.

Background: The association between problematic Smartphone use (PSU) and sleep disturbance is evidenced in the literature, but more research is required to investigate the potential factors that may influence the effect of PSU on sleep disturbance. Given the considerable prevalence of PSU (9.3 to 36.7%) and sleep disturbance (55.2%) in Iran, the current study sought to examine an interactional model to test whether metacognitions about Smartphone use, desire thinking (verbal perseveration and imaginal prefiguration), and emotion regulation (expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal) could have a moderating effect on the above-mentioned association. Method: This present study is a cross-sectional, observational study that was conducted between June and September 2022 in a convenience sample of Iranians (n = 603, Female = 419, Age = 24.61 ± 8). Results: Despite the significant association between metacognitions about the Smartphone use, PSU, and sleep disturbance, metacognitions failed to predict sleep disturbance above PSU. A slope analysis showed, however, that a high (not low or moderate) levels of imaginal prefiguration strengthen the association between PSU and sleep disturbance, while a high (not low or moderate) level of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression dampen the PSU-sleep disturbance association. We also found that verbal perseveration and expressive suppression were unique predictors of sleep disturbance, while imaginal prefiguration and reappraisal only predicted sleep disturbance if they interacted with PSU. Conclusion: Theoretically, findings suggest that enhancing cognitive reappraisal (by 1 SD) and reducing imaginal prefiguration (by 1 SD), might protect against sleep disturbance by reducing its association with PSU. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Emotion dysregulation and Internet gaming disorder in young people: Mediating effects of negative affect and metacognitions.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have found that emotion dysregulation, negative affect, and metacognitions about online gaming are risk factors for Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, few studies investigated the mechanisms underlying these interactions. The present study aimed to explore the relationships between emotion dysregulation and IGD, and the mediating effects of negative affect and metacognitions about online gaming. METHODS: An online survey was conducted with young people (aged 10-24 years) who played video games. 1768 participants were included in this study. Observed variables, including emotion dysregulation, IGD, depression, anxiety, and metacognitions, were measured with self-report scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among the variables. RESULTS: The results showed that emotion dysregulation positively predicted IGD through a fully mediated model which included the independent mediating effects of negative affect and metacognitions about online gaming and their sequential mediating effect. The model explained 76.1 % of the variance in IGD. LIMITATIONS: This was a cross-sectional study which could not infer causality. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that negative affect and metacognitions about online gaming mediate the effect of emotion dysregulation on IGD; moreover, metacognition may be a proximal factor of IGD. Thus, improving emotional regulation and modifying maladaptive metacognitions in young people may improve the prevention and treatment of IGD.

Non-contingent affective outcomes influence judgments of control.

Our main goal in these experiments was to examine whether affective valence plays a role in judgments of control (JoC) in intentional action. To test this, we asked participants to completevariationsofasimple aiming task in which words appeared in place of clicked targets. The affective content of the words was manipulated during the experiments but was not contingent on participants' performance. Throughout the task, participants were periodically asked to judge their JoC.Thus, JoC judgments in this task included contributions of a well-established cue to judgments of control, task performance, and a source of affect that was not related to task performance. We found thatmetacognitions of controlvaried consistentlyacross levels of affect, with stronger judgments of being in control for conditions with positive outcome words (e.g., 'puppy') and the weaker judgments of being in control for conditions with negative outcome words (e.g.,'killer').These results suggestaffective outcomes can influence JoC, even though the outcomes are not related to performance.

The relationship between childhood trauma, eating behaviours, and the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs.

Disordered eating poses a significant risk to psychological and physical health. The experience of childhood trauma has been linked to the development of disordered eating behaviours, but the causal psychological mechanisms remain unclear. The metacognitive model holds promise as a potential framework for understanding the mediating psychological processes that explain how childhood trauma may lead to disordered eating. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of metacognitive beliefs mediating the relationship between childhood trauma and disordered eating behaviours. Adults from the Australian community (N = 461) completed an online self-report survey measuring childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form), disordered eating behaviour (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire - Revised 21), and metacognitive beliefs (Metacognitive Questionnaire 30). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed no independent associations between any forms of childhood maltreatment and cognitive restraint, while childhood emotional abuse was uniquely associated with uncontrolled eating and emotional eating. Through bootstrapping tests, the mediating effect between childhood trauma and uncontrolled and emotional eating consistently involved the metacognitive beliefs that thoughts are uncontrollable and dangerous. Future longitudinal research is required to confirm causal relationships.