The Reflective Mind of the Anxious in Action

Metacognitive Beliefs and Maladaptive Emotional Regulation Strategies Constrain Working Memory Efficiency

Bibliographic Data

ID16945720
AuthorsFrançois-Xavier Cécillon (0009-0000-9701-8132, Université Lumière Lyon 2, corresponding author), Martial Mermillod (0000-0003-4367-7049, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Colin Leys (0000-0002-3832-3097, Université Libre de Bruxelles), Hippolyte Bastin (Université Lumière Lyon 2), Jean-Philippe Lachaux (0000-0002-9459-0667, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon), Rébecca Shankland (0000-0002-9182-5483, Institut Universitaire de France)
Year2024
Volume14
Issue3
Pages505-530
Publication date2024-02-26
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2174-8144 • E-ISSN: 2254-9625
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/ejihpe14030034
PMID38534895
OpenAlexW4392154250
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited106

The Attentional Control Theory (ACT) posits that, while trait anxiety may not directly impact performance, it can influence processing efficiency by prompting the use of compensatory mechanisms. The specific nature of these mechanisms, which might be reflective, is not detailed by the ACT. In a study involving 110 students (M = 20.12; SD = 2.10), surveys were administered to assess the students’ metacognitive beliefs, trait anxiety, and emotion regulation strategies (ERSs). The participants engaged in two working memory exercises: the digit span task from the WAIS-IV and an emotional n-back task. The findings indicated that anxiety, metacognitive beliefs, and maladaptive ERSs did not affect task performance but were correlated with increased response times. Several regression analyses demonstrated that a lack of confidence in one’s cognitive abilities and maladaptive ERSs predict higher reaction times (RT) in the n-back task. Additionally, maladaptive ERSs also predict an increased use of strategies in the digit span task. Finally, two mediation analyses revealed that anxiety increases processing efficiency, and this relation is mediated by the use of maladaptive ERSs. These results underscore the importance of the reflective level in mediating the effects of trait anxiety on efficiency. They highlight the necessity of incorporating metacognitive beliefs and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies for a thorough comprehension of the Attentional Control Theory. Recognizing these factors offers valuable perspectives for enhancing cognitive capabilities and fostering academic achievement

Anxiety · Attentional control · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Mediation · Memory span · Metacognition · Trait · Trait anxiety · Working memory · Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Computer Science · Neuroscience · Psychology · Stress Responses and Cortisol

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