The Metacognitions Questionnaire and Its Derivatives in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties

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.

Metacognition and mental regulation.

“…In patients with primary social anxiety disorder, metacognitive beliefs are positively correlated with depression symptoms, even when controlling for levels of social anxiety and social phobic cognitions . Metacognitions also show predicted correlations with depression symptoms in children and adolescents (Myers et al, 2019).…”

Cognitive Beliefs Across the Symptom Dimensions of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Type of Symptom Matters

“…Higher scores indicate higher levels of metacognition. Internal reliability of the total score ranges from adequate to good (alphas from .73 to .87; Myers et al, 2019 ). A systematic review of the measure has found that the total score is consistently related to a range of internalizing symptoms ( Myers et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Internal reliability of the total score ranges from adequate to good (alphas from .73 to .87; Myers et al, 2019 ). A systematic review of the measure has found that the total score is consistently related to a range of internalizing symptoms ( Myers et al, 2019 ). While Smith and Hudson (2013) found significantly higher scores in the clinical than the nonclinical group, Bacow et al (2009) , who controlled for worry content, did not detect this difference.…”

Metacognition in schizophrenia: A practical overview of psychometric metacognition assessment tools for researchers and clinicians

“…The MCQ-30 is a short multidimensional measure of metacognition beliefs, easier and cheaper to use than the 65-item version and useful to assess a few metacognitive domains considered crucial in the exploration and conceptualization of psychopathological processes. It has shown excellent psychometric properties in a large number of studies ( 76 ). The five MCQ-30 subscales (factors) reflect the original MCQ constructs: “CC (lack of confidence in memory)” ( 59 ); “PB” (understanding worrying as a useful strategy in stressful situations) ( 75 ); “CSC”; “uncontrollability and danger” (worrying understood as dangerous or uncontrollable activity) ( 75 ); “need to control thoughts” (the belief that it is important to control one’s thoughts, especially distressing thoughts) ( 75 ).…”

“…The 4-point Likert response scale was the same used in the original MCQ version. Following the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent (MCQ-A) validation ( 76 ), it encouraged metacognition studies in adolescents. The MCQ-A overlaps with the MCQ-30, with slightly modified language to favor easier understanding for younger people.…”