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 metacognitive
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-Awas 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.