The Moderating Effect by Attentional Control on Relationship between Positive Metacognitive Beliefs about Worry and Problem-Solving Style

Abstract

Positive metacognitive beliefs about worry (positive beliefs) are one of the purported factors exacerbating various psychological symptoms. However, their actual predictive power is weak. Considering that worry has partial adaptive effects by motivating problem-solving, positive beliefs contributing to worry may also have adaptive aspects. Based on previous studies, the present study hypothesized that attentional control moderated the relationship between positive beliefs and problem-solving style. Specifically, positive beliefs were related to the adaptive problem-solving style of individuals with high attentional control. Results suggested that the adaptive aspects of positive beliefs may weaken the relationship between positive beliefs and various psychological symptoms.