The role of metacognitive beliefs in depression: Mediating role of rumination

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of metacognitive beliefs in depression by the mediating role of rumination. Methods: The present study was conducted with a correlational method. Therefore, 275 students of the University of Tabriz were selected using a stratified sampling method. Beck’s depression inventory, Wells’ metacognitive questionnaire and Treynor’s rumination questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed by path analysis using the LISREL Software. Results: The results of the present study indicated that there was a positive relationship between positive and negative beliefs of worry and rumination schemas. Besides, there was a positive relationship between these beliefs and depression. Regarding to the fitness Indexes, the mediating role of rumination in the relation between positive and negative metacognitive beliefs and depression was confirmed. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be proposed that depression could be influenced by dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs (positive and negative beliefs about worry) through different paths. Such effects are intensified by dysfunctional schemas such as rumination. Hence, positive metacognitive beliefs are considered as a trigger for the application of rumination as an incompatible coping style for depression.