Development and Investigation of a Cognitive-Metacognitive Behavioral Model: An Explanation for Hypochondria Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Hypochondria is a prevalent disorder which is resistant to diagnosis and treatment. The present study has aimed to develop and validate a new behavioral cognitive-metacognitive model, which explains the hypochondria disorder.Methods: The present research used a descriptive and correlational research method with a structural equations design. In the current study, a comprehensive and detailed definition of hypochondria disorder was suggested and then the conceptual model was proposed. Finally, the model developed with the help of structural equations was tested through the AMOS Graphic software.Results: Results of the structural equation model indicated that the behavioral cognitive-metacognitive model is capable of explaining the hypochondria disorder. Moreover, the results of the general fit indexes of the structural equations model suggested that the developed model has the goodness of fit indexes with the sample data and is closely related with theoretical hypotheses.Conclusion: The suggested model in this study had multidimensional focuses on all behavioral-cognitive and metacognitive aspects. Furthermore, the model considered all the three dimensions to be in an interacting relationship (it did not consider them to be separate or conflicting concepts).Therefore, it was considered to be a novel explanatory model. This model might promote future researches regarding hypochondriac disorder and facilitate case formulations and relevant clinical treatments.