Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs in patients with acne vulgaris

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs between acne patients and healthy subjects. There is no comprehensive knowledge about the metacognitive beliefs in acne patients. Research aims to highlight the difference of metacognitions in patients with acne vulgaris.

Methods: The study was carried out with two groups. A sample of 241 participants, the first group consisting of 146 subjects with acne vulgaris and a control group of 95 healthy individuals, was recruited. Sociodemographic form, Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ30), Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory were administered to each volunteer.

Results: When we compared acne individuals and the healthy control group, we observed significant statistical difference between two groups on the mean total and subscale scores of MCQ-30 (p0.05). Negative beliefs about riskiness and uncontrollability subscale scores were strongly correlated with anxiety and depression scores.

Conclusion: The results showed a positive relationship between depression and anxiety scores and uncontrollable negative thoughts. This indicates the importance of teaching and learning positive strategies of metacognitive beliefs and avoiding negative metacognition beliefs. The difference in metacognitive beliefs between acne group and the control group support the thought of using Metacognitive Therapy as a treatment option.