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Isaksen CS, Hybel KA, Wolters L, Højgaard DRMA, Farrell L, Thomsen PH. Metacognition in Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treated With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Behav Ther 2025; 56:95-109. [PMID: 39814519 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
According to the metacognitive theory, maladaptive metacognition is associated with the development and maintenance of emotional disorders. This study is the first to explore maladaptive metacognition in a sample of children and adolescents (7-17 years) with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the context of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A total of 114 children and adolescents were included in the study. Of these 56 were OCD patients who were assessed on metacognition (Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child Version) and OCD symptom severity (Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) before and after 14 sessions of individual CBT. Fifty-eight children and adolescents without any psychiatric diagnoses constituted a control group and were assessed on metacognition temporally corresponding to the OCD group. Results showed that the OCD group had significantly elevated maladaptive metacognition relative to the control group, with the exception of positive beliefs about worry. The maladaptive metacognition in the OCD group was significantly reduced from pre- to posttreatment. Additionally, the reduction in the total level of maladaptive metacognition was significantly larger than that reported by the control group. However, it remained significantly elevated relative to controls at posttreatment. Furthermore, lower posttreatment OCD severity was associated with larger reductions in negative beliefs about worry, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, and cognitive self-consciousness, as well as with a higher pretreatment level of positive beliefs about worry. Overall, age group (children vs adolescents) did not moderate these results. Collectively, the results suggest that amending maladaptive metacognition in children and adolescents with OCD might be important considering the associations between reductions in maladaptive metacognition and favorable treatment outcome.
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Thingbak A, Wells A, O'Toole MS. Group metacognitive therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression: A preliminary trial and test of proposed mechanisms. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 107:102926. [PMID: 39321673 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Preliminary research supports the feasibility of metacognitive therapy (MCT) in children with generalized anxiety, but the effectiveness of MCT in treating children with other anxiety and depressive disorders largely remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects associated with MCT in targeting symptoms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents and to investigate mechanisms proposed by the metacognitive model. Ninety-seven participants aged 10-17 years (M = 12.9 ± 1.9, 82.5 % females) with anxiety and depressive disorders received eight sessions of group MCT. Participants were diagnostically assessed at pre- and post-treatment and completed symptom and process measures before, during, and after treatment, and again at three- and six-month follow-up. Multilevel models were conducted to investigate treatment-related and mediation effects. Results showed large reductions in total symptoms following treatment (d = 1.28). These reductions were associated with, and temporally preceded by changes in cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS), metacognitive beliefs, and self-reported attention control, but not objective attention control. Treatment gains were maintained at six-month follow-up (d = 1.18). Our results indicate that MCT may be a promising treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression and provide preliminary evidence of changes in CAS, metacognition, and perceived attention control as potential drivers of treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Thingbak
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Adrian Wells
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Skytte O'Toole
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
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Mobach L, Rapee RM, Klein AM. The Role of Distorted Cognitions in Mediating Treatment Outcome in Children with Social Anxiety Disorder: A Preliminary Study. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:558-569. [PMID: 34674074 PMCID: PMC9977708 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether distorted cognition changes during cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in children (N = 61; aged 7-12) with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and whether changes in distorted cognition from pre- to post-treatment predict SAD at 6-month follow-up. Baseline distorted cognition was also examined as a predictor of post-treatment outcome. Multiple informant SAD-measures were obtained pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up. Children reported on interpretation bias and dysfunctional beliefs. A decrease in interpretation bias and dysfunctional beliefs was prospectively related to greater SAD change between post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Child-reported SAD-change at post-treatment predicted greater change in dysfunctional beliefs at 6-month follow-up. Higher baseline interpretation bias predicted greater change in SAD-severity at post-treatment. Children with greater distorted cognition reductions during treatment, showed greater treatment gains at 6-month follow-up. Children who do not show this reduction may require additional efforts focused on distorted cognition to maximally benefit from treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Mobach
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Anke M Klein
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Unit Developmental and Educational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Yu M, Lv F, Liu Z, Gao D. How negative automatic thoughts trigger Chinese adolescents’ social anxiety: The mediation effect of meta-worry. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Do Metacognitions of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders Change after Intensified Exposure Therapy? CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020168. [PMID: 35204889 PMCID: PMC8869889 DOI: 10.3390/children9020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Metacognitive beliefs have repeatedly proven to play a role in anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, but few studies have investigated whether they change after cognitive behavioral therapy. This longitudinal intervention study explores whether positive and negative metacognitive beliefs in particular change after exposure-focused treatment, and if metacognitive changes predict reductions in anxiety symptoms. A sample of 27 children between 8 and 16 years of age with a primary diagnosis of specific phobia, separation-anxiety disorder or social phobia completed assessments of anxiety symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, worry and repetitive negative thoughts before and after 11 sessions of intensified exposure treatment. Metacognitive beliefs did not change significantly after intensified exposure, but post-hoc power analysis revealed a lack of power here. Change in negative metacognitive beliefs correlated with a change in anxiety symptoms, but did not independently contribute as a predictor variable. Differences between subsamples showed that patients with separation-anxiety disorder scored higher on negative metacognitive beliefs than those with specific or social phobia. Consideration of metacognition, and negative metacognitive beliefs in particular could help us further improve the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents and should therefore receive more attention in psychotherapy research.
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Köcher LM, Schneider K, Christiansen H. Thinking about worry: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the assessment of metacognitions in children and adolescents. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:635-658. [PMID: 34631466 PMCID: PMC8474992 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i9.635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metacognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder identifies three forms of metacognition: Positive metacognitive beliefs about worry (POS), negative metacognitive beliefs about worry (NEG), and meta-worry. Though this model was originally developed relying on adult samples, it has since been applied to children and youth in different studies, and results mostly support its validity for this group. As the roles of POS, meta-worry, and age-effects do not appear to be fully clarified for children and adolescents yet, an integration of studies on children and adolescents and the metacognitive model is both timely and worthwhile.
AIM To summarize the current research on relationships, age-effects, and measurements for POS, NEG, and meta-worry in childhood and youth.
METHODS We carried out a literature search in the electronic databases PsycINFO, PubMed, PSYNDEX, and ERIC in 2017 and updated in 2020. Empirical research in German or English language on metacognition was included with child and adolescent samples diagnosed with anxiety disorders or healthy controls if POS, NEG, or meta-worry were measured. Studies were included for meta-analysis if they reported correlations between these metacognitions and anxiety or worry. Consensus rating for eligibility was done for 20.89% of full-texts with 90.32% agreement. Risk of bias was assessed with the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies and consensus rating of appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies for 20.83% of included studies attaining agreement of intraclass correlation = 0.898. Overall, correlations between metacognitions, anxiety and worry were calculated with RevMan 5.4.1, assuming random-effects models. Meta-regressions with mean age as the covariate were performed via the online tool MetaMar 2.7.0. PROSPERO-ID: CRD42018078852.
RESULTS Overall, k = 763 records and k = 78 additional records were identified. Of those, k = 48 studies with 12839 participants were included and of those, k = 24 studies were included for meta-analysis. Most studies showed consistent NEG correlations with worry and anxiety, as well as higher values for clinical than for non-clinical samples. POS findings were less consistent. Meta-analysis revealed large effects for NEG correlating with worry and anxiety, small to medium effects for POS correlating with worry and anxiety, as well as small to medium effects for POS correlating with NEG. Meta-regressions did not reveal mean age as a significant covariate. Meta-worry was assessed in only one study. We identified eight questionnaires and one interview-format that assess metacognition about worry in children and adolescents.
CONCLUSION POS and NEG are measurable from the age of seven upwards and correlate with anxiety and worry without influences by age. Meta-worry requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Köcher
- Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Kai Schneider
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, University of Landau, Landau 76829, Germany
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Metacognitive Beliefs Predict Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Outcome in Children with Anxiety Disorders. Int J Cogn Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41811-021-00119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Myers SG, Solem S, Wells A. The Metacognitions Questionnaire and Its Derivatives in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1871. [PMID: 31551843 PMCID: PMC6737041 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ) and its derivatives have been instrumental in research examining the Self-Regulatory Executive Function Model in adults. Studies testing whether findings are applicable to children and adolescents have been increasing and several different measures adapting the MCQ for younger populations have been developed. The current study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of MCQ measures or derivatives used in young people (aged 18 or less), to help assess current findings in this population and to guide future research in this growing area of investigation. Method: Systematic searches were carried out on PubMed and PsycINFO of studies published up to June 2018. Additional studies were identified through Google Scholar and article references. Validity, reliability, range and responsiveness of measures were examined as well as analyses of age and gender differences on scores. Results: Forty-five articles were identified. The total sample consisted of 7,803 children and adolescents (6,922 non-clinical, 881 clinical) aged 7-18. Studies used one of seven versions of the questionnaire, five adapted from the MCQ for younger populations: (1) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent version; (2) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child version; (3) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child Version-Revised; (4) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child-30; and (5) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-65 Positive Beliefs Scale Revised; and two adult versions used without adaptation: (1) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 and (2) The Cognitive Self Consciousness Scale-Expanded. The validity and reliability of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent version had the most extensive support. Other questionnaires had either mixed psychometrics or promising initial findings but more limited data. Conclusions: It is recommended that studies using adolescents (age 12-18) consider using the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent version. Based on initial data, it is suggested studies using younger populations should consider the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child-30 but further psychometric research into this and other measures is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G. Myers
- Division of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Stian Solem
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Adrian Wells
- Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich, United Kingdom
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Walczak M, Breinholst S, Ollendick T, Esbjørn BH. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Metacognitive Therapy: Moderators of Treatment Outcomes for Children with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2019; 50:449-458. [PMID: 30406900 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-018-0853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for childhood anxiety disorders, approximately 40% of youth remain anxious after treatment. Metacognitive therapy (MCT-c) for children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has shown promising effects. The present study aimed to examine if CBT and MCT-c show differential effects in children with primary GAD based on baseline characteristics, in a quasi-experimental design. To investigate which treatment is most beneficial for whom, three potential moderators: age, symptom severity, and comorbid social anxiety were examined. Sixty-three children aged 7-14 completed CBT or MCT-c. Participants were assessed before and after treatment. Both CBT and MCT-c were highly effective in treatment of childhood GAD. None of the selected variables significantly moderated treatment outcomes. Subgroups of children with high symptom severity and social anxiety comorbidity showed trends of responding better to CBT. Methodologically stronger studies are needed to facilitate a better adaptation of treatment for children with GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Walczak
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sonja Breinholst
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Barbara Hoff Esbjørn
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes (a) key features of the metacognitive model as they relate to anxiety and related disorders, (b) central components of metacognitive therapy (MCT), (c) the current empirical status of MCT, (d) recent developments, (e) controversies and (f) future research directions. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence is accumulating that MCT is effective for anxiety and related disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that MCT may be effective with children and adolescents and compares well to other evidence-supported treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Evidence for distinct mechanisms across therapies is mixed. While MCT appears to be effective for anxiety and related disorders, more research is required to evaluate (a) efficacy and unique (vs. common) mechanisms of change compared to other therapies, (b) effectiveness for children and adolescents, (c) alternative delivery methods (e.g., via internet, group vs. individual), (d) transdiagnostic impacts and (e) applications to a broader array of disorders.
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Abstract
AbstractHomeless girls suffer labour and sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination and social exclusion at a higher rate than the rest of the population. However, worldwide information on homeless girls and intervention programmes for this group are scarce. This study examined the preliminary efficacy of a brief cognitive behavioural group therapy tailored to Mexican homeless girls. The intervention targeted subjective well-being and these determinants: symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, assertive behaviours and functional emotion regulation skills. Results revealed statistically significant differences in symptoms of anxiety and depression, assertiveness, emotion regulation strategies and subjective well-being with treatment effects that ranged from moderate to large. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, and dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies decreased. Assertive skills, functional emotion regulation strategies, and subjective well-being increased. Outcomes were clinically relevant. At 2-month follow-up, participants showed improvement from pre-treatment on all measures. The current study provides unique findings in terms of a promising preliminary intervention that helps restore homeless girls to a healthier social/emotional developmental path especially in the context of Latin American cities. As a result, the clinical implications of this research highlight the urgent need to design effective interventions based on the observed characteristics and identified needs among homeless girls.
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Şoflău R, David DO. A Meta-Analytical Approach of the Relationships Between the Irrationality of Beliefs and the Functionality of Automatic Thoughts. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-016-9812-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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