Development of a self-administered metacognitive coping strategies scale for metacognitive training: an exploratory study examining the relationship between coping awareness and psychopathology

Abstract This study developed a self-administered metacognitive coping strategy scale that reflects metacognition changes resulting from metacognitive training. A 25-item scale with four subscales was developed based on data obtained from 286 adults in the general population in Japan. The statistical reliability of the scale, including the retest reliability, ranged from moderate to high. Correlations with other scales supported the developed scale’s expected validity. A survey was also conducted among 20 people with schizophrenia. The scores on this scale were positively correlated with adaptive coping and beliefs, and negatively correlated with delusions, and there was no significant correlation with anxiety or depression. This evidence suggested some of the clinical validity. Additionally, in terms of the cognitive behavioral therapy aspect of metacognitive training, the metacognitive coping strategy scale would be a useful tool for participants of metacognitive training and trainers in practice. In the future, it will be necessary to investigate a larger clinical sample to confirm clinical validity, and to confirm the usefulness in clinical practice by tracking changes over time through metacognitive training.