Exploring the mediating role of metacognitions in the link between somatosensory amplification and health anxiety among college students

Purpose Health anxiety is a multidimensional trait characterized by a predominant fear of having a serious illness. This study aims to examine the impact of somatosensory amplification on health anxiety and explores the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs. Design/methodology/approach Participants (n = 307) were recruited online from university students to complete the measures of health anxiety (C-HAQ), metacognitive beliefs (MCQ-HA) and somatosensory amplification (SSAS). Findings The results suggest that somatosensory amplification is a significant predictor of health anxiety. Each of the three dimensions of metacognition partially mediated the effect of somatosensory amplification on health anxiety. In the parallel mediation model, two metacognitive beliefs partially mediated the relationship between somatosensory amplification and health anxiety, while the mediation effect of biased thinking beliefs did not reach significance. In summary, individuals with a higher tendency toward somatosensory amplification exhibit more health anxiety-related metacognitions and subsequently experience higher levels of health anxiety, supporting the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model. Originality/value This study validates the importance of metacognition in the maintenance and development of health anxiety, demonstrating the utility of metacognitive therapy for individuals experiencing health anxiety.