Metacognition and Psychological Distress: A Parallel Mediation Model of Rumination and Ostracism

Abstract

The developmental stage of young adults is marked with increased vulnerability to psychological distress as cognitive, emotional and social processes interact in complex ways. This study examined the relationship between metacognition, rumination, ostracism and psychological distress in Young Adults. A total of 327 participants under the age range of 18-25 were recruited through purposive sampling from different public and private universities. The scales employed were the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, Ruminative Inertia Scale, Ostracism Experience Scale, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Pearson correlation and Linear regression analysis were conducted along with Parallel mediation analysis. The results revealed significant positive correlations in all the study variables. Self-rumination had a strong positive relationship with psychological distress (r = .60**,p<.01). Psychological distress also showed moderate correlations with negative beliefs about the uncontrollability and danger of thoughts (r = .57**, p < .01), cognitive confidence (r = .46**, p < .01), and ostracism experience (r = .48**, p < .01). In addition, self-rumination was moderately associated with maladaptive metacognitive beliefs (r = .56**, p < .01), implying a shared cognitive vulnerability. Negative metacognitive beliefs about uncontrollability and danger, self-rumination, social rumination, and ostracism experience emerged as significant predictors of distress. The whole model explained 52.7% of the variance in distress. Additionally, a parallel mediation analysis was conducted which revealed that both rumination and ostracism significantly mediated the relationship between metacognition and psychological distress.The findings suggest how maladaptive thinking patterns and negative social experiences contribute to emotional difficulties. Future research should explore these relationships longitudinally with diverse demographic factors and to develop culturally tailored strategies and interventions to enhance mental well-being in Young Adults.

Keywords: metacognition, rumination, ostracism and psychological distress.