Metacognitive Beliefs in Late-Life Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the association between metacognitive beliefs, trait worry, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among older adults. Sixty-six home health care clients aged 65 and older completed the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) along with measures of worry and GAD severity Effect size estimates of differences on the MCQ-30 subscales between those diagnosed with and without GAD ranged from medium to large. The Positive Beliefs subscale was the strongest predictor of trait worry. However, negative beliefs about worry (specifically beliefs in the uncontrollability and dangers of worrying) predicted GAD symptom severity when also controlling for trait worry, and partially mediated the relationship between trait worry and GAD symptom severity. These findings suggest that theories positing a role for metacognitive beliefs in the etiology and maintenance of GAD may extend to older adults.