Development and preliminary validation of the Meta-cognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent Version

This study describes the development of the Meta-cognitions Questionnaire for Adolescents (MCQ-A). The adult version of this questionnaire has been widely used, and the meta-cognitive theory of emotional disorders has become influential in the adult literature. This study sought to examine the prevalence and emotional correlates of meta-cognition in adolescents. The MCQ-A was administered to 177 schoolchildren aged 13 through 17 years, together with measures of emotional well-being. Factor analysis suggested a five-factor solution similar to that reported for the adult version. Internal consistency of the scale was high. Scores ranged from low to high across the age range, suggesting that meta-cognitive beliefs are well-established by adolescence. Scores on the MCQ-A were highly correlated with a number of measures of emotional symptoms. The MCQ-A is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring meta-cognitive beliefs in adolescents. Young people aged between 13 and 17 years report a range of types and levels of meta-cognitive beliefs and these are positively associated with emotional symptoms.