Metacognitive self-assessment scale: psychometric properties and clinical implications. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faustino, Bruno; Branco Vasco, António; Oliveira, Jorge; Lopes, Paulo; Fonseca, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Applied neuropsychology. Volume 28:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 596
• Page End: 606
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Cognitive fusion -- metacognition -- meta-beliefs -- psicometrics -- self-report; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Cognition disorders -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Brain -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neuropsychological Tests -- Periodicals; Adult; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2019.1671843
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2327-9095

Abstract

Abstract: Metacognition is a higher-order psychological construct that has been conceptualized as the ability to identify and describe mental states, beliefs, and intentions of self and others. The Metacognition Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS), was developed to assess different functions of metacognition, being a potential asset in fields such as psychotherapy and clinical neuropsychology. However, a reliability and validity study is still lacking, as well, the study with other related metacognitive constructs. This research describes the psychometric analysis of the MSAS in a cross-sectional design and the study of the relationship between metacognitive functions, meta-beliefs and cognitive fusion. The sample comprised 194 participants from the general population (76% women), with an average age of 32 years old. Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, test-retest, and validity procedures through bivariate correlations with convergent/divergent measures were conducted. The scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties with good internal consistency along with appropriate convergent/divergent validity. Metacognition and cognitive fusion were negatively correlated, while negative meta-beliefs and mastery predicted the variance of cognitive fusion. Decentering-differentiation factor correlated negatively with cognitive fusion and personal discomfort. These results suggest that MSAS may be a reliable tool to assess metacognition in the Portuguese population. Clinical implications are discussed.