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CC BY 4.0 · Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2023; 44(04): 398-407
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768050
Review Article

Metacognitive Processes in Cancer: A Review

Rekha Rashmi 
1   Centre for Health Psychology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
,
Chhakchhuak Vanlalhruaii
1   Centre for Health Psychology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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Abstract

When diagnosed with cancer, the patients and their family go through emotional turmoil across the different phases: diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and aftercare, which decrease their quality of life and well-being. Previously, many studies have highlighted the association of metacognition with the development and maintenance of mental health conditions. Several recent studies have pointed out the significant role of dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs in the context of chronic disease. Thus, the present study aims to explore the role of metacognitive processes in cancer. The researchers conducted a narrative review of literature using PubMed, Semantic Scholar, and Science Direct. A total of 31 articles were selected and analyzed. This review article established that patients with cancer and caregivers experience metacognitive beliefs, which are associated with emotional distress, and the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy in reducing distress. This study also provides insight into the broader scope to advance research in this field.

Keywords

metacognition - cancer - chronic medical conditions


Publication History

Article published online:
24 April 2023

© 2023. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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