The Mediating Role of Metacognitive Beliefs in the Relationship between Mind Wandering and Negative Affect in Individuals with Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms
Keywords:
Mental confusion, metacognitive beliefs, negative emotions, obsessive-compulsive behaviorAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs in the relationship between mind wandering and negative affect among individuals with obsessive–compulsive symptoms.
Methods and Materials: This correlational study employed structural equation modeling on a sample of 300 individuals with obsessive–compulsive symptoms who attended counseling centers in Yazd in Fall 2024. Data were collected using measures of mind wandering, metacognitive beliefs, and negative affect, and were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS.
Findings: The results indicated that mind wandering had a significant direct effect on metacognitive beliefs (β = 0.54, p < 0.001) and metacognitive beliefs had a significant direct effect on negative affect (β = 0.76, p < 0.001), while the direct path from mind wandering to negative affect was not significant. Bootstrap analysis confirmed the significant mediating role of metacognitive beliefs, and the model demonstrated acceptable fit indices.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that metacognitive beliefs constitute the core psychological mechanism through which mind wandering influences negative affect in individuals with obsessive–compulsive symptoms, underscoring their importance as primary targets for clinical intervention.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jalil Kahdouei (Author); Asiye Moradi; Kamran Yazdanbakhsh (Author)
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