Metacognition, perceived stress, and negative emotion

The present study explored the relationships between metacognition, perceived stress and negative emotion. A convenience sample of 420 participants completed the following questionnaires: metacognitions questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), perceived stress scale (PSS), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). A cross-sectional design was adopted and data analysis consisted of correlation and structural equation modeling analyses. Metacognition was found to be positively and significantly correlated with both perceived stress and negative emotion (anxiety and depression). Positive and significant correlations were also observed between perceived stress, anxiety and depression. Structural equation modeling was used to test a moderation model in which metacognition moderates the relationship between perceived stress and negative emotion. The results supported this hypothesis. These preliminary results would seem to suggest that individual differences in metacognition are relevant to understanding the link between perceived stress and negative emotion.