Structural Modeling of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptom Level Based on Positive and Negative Metacognitive Beliefs: The Mediating Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty among University Students

Majid Pourpashang; Sayed Abbas Haghayegh; Sheida Jabalameli; Akram Dehghani

Authors

Majid Pourpashang Department of Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5371-1389
Sayed Abbas Haghayegh Department of Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4670-5909
Sheida Jabalameli Department of Health Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Clinical Research Development Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9948-7231
Akram Dehghani Department of Psychology, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2365-7270

Keywords:

generalized anxiety disorder, metacognitive beliefs, intolerance of uncertainty, students, beliefs, positive metacognitive beliefs, negative metacognitive beliefs, structural equation modeling

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to test a structural model of generalized anxiety disorder symptom level based on positive and negative metacognitive beliefs, with the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty among university students.

Methods and Materials: This applied quantitative study used a descriptive-correlational design and structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of students at Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, Iran. An initial sample of 300 students was selected using accessible purposive sampling, and 294 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Data were collected using a demographic information form, the Metacognitions Questionnaire, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Questionnaire, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and structural equation modeling.

Findings: The structural model showed acceptable fit to the data: χ²/df = 1.784, NFI = .999, CFI = 1.00, IFI = 1.00, RMSEA = .057, and Hoelter = 289. Positive metacognitive beliefs did not have a significant direct effect on generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (β = -.036, p = .358), but they had a significant indirect effect through intolerance of uncertainty (β = .016, p = .050). Negative metacognitive beliefs had a positive and significant direct effect on generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (β = .220, p = .011) and also had a significant indirect effect through intolerance of uncertainty (β = .081, p = .050). Intolerance of uncertainty had a positive and significant direct effect on generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (β = .186, p = .019).

Conclusion: The findings support the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty in the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. Negative metacognitive beliefs appear to be a stronger direct predictor of generalized anxiety symptoms, whereas positive metacognitive beliefs may influence symptoms mainly through intolerance of uncertainty. These results highlight the importance of targeting dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and intolerance of uncertainty in prevention and intervention programs for university students.

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