The role of metacognition, tolerance of ambiguity and psychological flexibility in predicting resilience

Abstract

Background: Research shows that metacognition, ambiguity tolerance, and psychological flexibility are related to resilience. However, there is a research gap in the scope of indigenous studies in the research community. Aims: This research was conducted to investigate the role of metacognition, ambiguity tolerance, and psychological flexibility in predicting resilience in the wives of martyrs of Alborz province. Methods: The descriptive research method was correlation type. The statistical population included all the wives of the martyrs in 2021- 2022. 451 people were selected through the available sampling method and Wells and Cartwright Hutton (2004) metacognition questionnaires, Bond et al.'s acceptance and action questionnaire (2007), Bodner's ambiguity tolerance questionnaire (1960), and Connor et al.'s resilience questionnaire (2003) was implemented on them. Data analysis was done using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: According to the data analysis, the variables of psychological flexibility (β=0.37), ambiguity tolerance (β=0.25), cognitive stability (β=0.22), uncontrollability and dangerousness of thoughts (β=-0.19), and cognitive trust (β = -0.13) are respectively the strongest predictors of resilience. In addition, psychological flexibility (F=7.23, p≥0.001), ambiguity tolerance (F=10.6, p≥0.001), and cognitive stability (F=19.5, p≥0.001) predict an increase in resilience, but belief in the uncontrollability and dangerousness of thoughts (F=99.2, p≥0.003) and cognitive trust (F=51.2, p≥0.012) predict a decrease in resilience. Conclusion: From the above findings, it can be concluded that metacognition, ambiguity tolerance, and psychological flexibility are directly related to resilience and increase resilience. Repeating the research with more samples in other groups is needed.

Keywords

• ambiguity tolerance
• flexibility
• metacognition
• resilience