Is meta-worry relevant to interpersonal problems? Testing the metacognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder in an analogue- and a clinical sample of GAD

Abstract

Interpersonal problems are common in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and improved interpersonal functioning is an important goal in treatment. In the metacognitive model of worry and generalized anxiety disorder, emotional distress and psychological dysfunction are related to two distinct types of worry. Particular emphasis is put on meta-worry which refers to “worry about worrying” or appraisal of worrying as threatening in itself. Meta-worry impairs effective mental regulation and might therefore be an important predisposition to self-regulate via others and thereof interpersonal problems. In the current study, we tested the prediction that meta-worry is uniquely associated with interpersonal problems in two samples. The first consisted of 135 individuals with analogue GAD and the second of 56 individuals with a diagnosis of GAD. Using hierarchical linear regressions controlling for anxiety, depression and worry, meta-worry showed a unique relationship with interpersonal problems in both samples. These findings indicate that meta-worry may be relevant to formulate and treat interpersonal problems in individuals with GAD.