Beyond the negative: The role of positive metacognitions, meta-emotions and maladaptive metacognitions in depression, anxiety and life satisfaction in individuals with Vasculitis

Mayor, Helen (2013) Beyond the negative: The role of positive metacognitions, meta-emotions and maladaptive metacognitions in depression, anxiety and life satisfaction in individuals with Vasculitis. York St John University.

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Abstract

s a result of the challenge of adapting to a chronic illness, psychological disorder can occur in individuals with Vasculitis. However, positive outcomes of successful adaptation have also been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the contributors to both positive adaptation, measured by life satisfaction and maladaptation, measured by depression and anxiety. An association has been found between maladaptive metacognitions and psychological distress. Recent research has highlighted that positive metacognitions and meta-emotions are also important for successful psychological functioning. One hundred and thirty-two participants aged 20-78yrs, recruited from Vasculitis charity websites completed an online questionnaire assessing maladaptive metacognitions (MCQ-30), positive metacognitions meta-emotions (PMCEQ-18), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and life satisfaction (SWLS). Demographic and disease-related data (type of Vasculitis, length of illness, disease activity status, prednisolone dosage and number of medications) were also collected. Statistical analysis found MCQ-30 total scores to negatively correlate with life satisfaction and positively correlate with depression and anxiety. PMCEQ-18 factor scores were found to positively correlate with life satisfaction and negatively correlate with depression and anxiety. Multiple linear regression revealed a model which accounted for 43.3% of the variance in life satisfaction. One MCQ-30 factor and two PMCEQ-18 factors were found to be significant predictors of life satisfaction. In addition, ANOVA analyses revealed individuals with high MCQ- 30 total scores and low PMCEQ-18 factor scores had significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to practical applications that may assist individuals with Vasculitis to adapt successfully. Directions for future research are also identified.