Developing a Quality of Life Model Based on Metacognitive Beliefs Mediated with Perceived Stress in the Elderly

This study aimed to provide a model of metacognitive beliefs and perceived stress to help better understanding of life quality of elderly. For this purpose, 377 elderly people aged over 60 living in Tehran were selected through convenience sampling in 2018. The required data were collected using the World Health Organization Short-Form Quality of Life Questionnaire, Wells and Cartwright-Hutton Metacognitive Beliefs survey and perceived stress questionnaire by Cohen, Kamark and Mermelstein. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20 and AMOS version 20 software. Findings showed a significant negative relationship between perceived stress and quality of life in the elderly. There was a significant negative relationship between metacognitive beliefs (including negative beliefs about uncontrollability, positive beliefs about worry, cognitive assurance, need for thought control) and quality of life in the elderly. The findings also confirmed the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and quality of life in the elderly. Based on the findings, training metacognitive strategies could be an effective mechanism for the modification of metacognitive beliefs and is an appropriate way to improve the life quality of the elderly and it is suggested to make use of metacognitive strategies in relevant interventions.