Analyzing the Role of Metacognitive Deficits in Predicting Cognitive Performance in Schizophrenic Patients: Mediation of Intrinsic Motivation

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Schizophrenia is one of chronic and complex mental disorder that is accompanied by profound cognitive impairments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyzing the role of metacognitive deficits in predicting cognitive performance in schizophrenic patients with the mediation of intrinsic motivation.

Methodology: This research was a cross-sectional from type of correlation. The population of the present study was all schizophrenia patients referring to Bandar Abbas city treatment centers in 2022 year with number 789 people. The sample size based on Cochran's formula and possible dropouts was determined 400 people, who were selected by available sampling method. Research tools included Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (Barkley, 2012), Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (McAuley et al., 1989), and Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire (Najati, 2013). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 software.

Findings: The results of this study showed that The model of metacognitive deficits in predicting cognitive performance in schizophrenic patients with the mediation of intrinsic motivation had a good fit. In addition, the direct effect of metacognitive abilities on intrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation on cognitive performance, and metacognitive abilities on cognitive performance were positive and significant (P<0.05). Also, the indirect effect of metacognitive abilities with the mediation of intrinsic motivation on cognitive performance was positive and significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, planning to improve the cognitive performance of schizophrenic patients through improving metacognitive abilities and intrinsic motivation is essential.