Hospital Practices and Research

Prediction of Anxiety in Adolescent Girls Based on Self-Awareness and Metacognitive Beliefs: Using a Multilayer Perceptron Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Maryam Mombeini 1
Belgheis Beit Mashal 2

1 Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, So.C., Islamic Azad University, Susangerd, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30491/hpr.2025.506614.1470
Abstract
Background: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent among adolescents, particularly girls. These disorders can significantly impair academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life, with long-term consequences into adulthood.
Objectives: The research aimed to predict anxiety in adolescent girls using a multilayer perceptron model based on self-awareness and metacognitive beliefs.
Methods: In this correlational study, the statistical population consisted of adolescent girls aged 16-18 enrolled in secondary schools in Ahvaz during the academic year 2022-2023. A total of 215 individuals were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30) to assess anxiety, self-awareness, and metacognitive beliefs, respectively. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, simultaneous regression, and a multilayer perceptron model, performed with SPSS version 27 and MATLAB version 2019.
Results: The results revealed a significant negative correlation between self-awareness and anxiety in adolescent girls (r = -0.60). Furthermore, metacognitive beliefs also showed a significant negative correlation with anxiety in adolescent girls (r = -0.53). Additionally, a significant combined predictive effect was found for self-awareness and metacognitive beliefs on anxiety in adolescent girls (P<0.001). The results of the multilayer perceptron model indicated that self-awareness had the strongest predictive power in relation to anxiety in adolescent girls.
Conclusion: Higher self-awareness and stronger metacognitive beliefs correlate with lower anxiety levels in adolescent girls. Interventions aimed at improving these cognitive factors, such as mindfulness and cognitive restructuring, could effectively reduce anxiety. Integrating these strategies into clinical and educational settings can empower adolescent girls with crucial coping mechanisms. By fostering self-awareness and healthier metacognitive beliefs, we can equip them to manage anxiety, improve their overall mental well-being, and enhance their academic and social functioning.

Keywords

Anxiety
Self-awareness
Metacognitive Beliefs
Adolescence
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