Metacognition as predictor of emotional distress in cancer patients

Cancer patients often have to deal with numerous side effects and psychological distress during chemotherapy. Research highlights that dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs are the basis for the development and maintenance of emotional disorders. The present research is a first attempt to explore how metacognitions influence anxiety and depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A sample of 175 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy completed a demographic questionnaire, the MCQ-30, and the HADS. Medical information about the stage of the disease and the history of treatment was provided. The results have shown that gender and negative beliefs explained the 61% variance for anxiety in cancer patients during chemotherapy. Age, gender, negative beliefs and cognitive self-consciousness explained the 39% variance for depression in cancer patients during chemotherapy. Gender, negative beliefs and cognitive self-consciousness explained the 58% variance for overall distress of patients during chemotherapy. Hence, specific metacognitive factors have a strong relationship with anxiety and depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.