A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis on Effect of Metacognitive Training on Cognitive Biases in Patients With Schizophrenia: Implications for Psychiatric Nursing Care

ABSTRACT Background Schizophrenia presents significant challenges, with cognitive dysfunction being a hallmark feature affecting daily functioning. Aims The study explores the impact of metacognitive training (MCT) on cognitive function in schizophrenia patients. Methods A systematic review and meta‐analysis encompassed 21 studies identified through databases and manual searches. Inclusion criteria focused on MCT interventions, controlled experimental designs and cognitive outcome measures. Data synthesis and meta‐analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results The meta‐analysis results revealed a significant effect of MCT on Cognitive Biases Questionnaire(CBQ)‐catastrophizing (JTC) (No. studies = 3, SMD = −0.61, 95% CI: −0.98, −0.25; I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.92) and CBQ‐emotional reasoning(ER) (No. studies = 2, SMD = −0.50, 95% CI: −0.82, −0.18; I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.92), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)‐positive(P) (No. studies = 14, SMD = −0.52, 95% CI: −0.68, −0.35; I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.62), PANSS‐negative(N) (No. studies = 8, SMD = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.42, −0.00; I 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.94) and PANSS‐total(T) (No. studies = 8, SMD = −0.42, 95% CI: −0.68, −0.16; I 2 = 22.30%, p = 0.25) among schizophrenia patients. However, we found no significant impact of MCT treatment on CBQ‐total(T), CBQ‐ intentionalizing (I), CBQ‐catastrophizing(C), CBQ‐dichotomous thinking(DT), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale(BCIS)‐self‐reflectiveness(SR), BCIS‐self‐certainty(SC), BCIS‐composite index(CI) and PANSS‐general(G) scores. Conclusion MCT demonstrates a positive impact on cognitive biases and symptom severity in schizophrenia patients. These results advocate for innovative, personalised interventions to complement traditional approaches in schizophrenia management.