Coping and Perceived Stress as a Function of Positive Metacognitions and Positive Meta-Emotions

Based on the recently developed construct of adaptive metacognitive traits and classic theories of coping, it was hypothesized that Confidence in Extinguishing Perseverative Thoughts and Emotions would correlate negatively with maladaptive coping, Confidence in Interpreting Own Emotions as Cues and in Setting Flexible and Feasible Hierarchies of Goals would correlate positively with adaptive coping, and both metacognitive traits would correlate negatively with perceived stress. A sample of 212 workers and students completed the Positive Metacognitions and Positive Meta-Emotions Questionnaire, Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire 30, Brief Coping Questionnaire, and Perceived Stress Scale. Structural equation modeling supported the hypotheses suggesting that adaptive metacognition fosters adaptive coping and prevents maladaptive coping and perceived stress controlling for maladaptive metacognition. Directions for future research are outlined.