Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Protocol for Studying Extinction of Conditioned Fear in Naturally Cycling Female Rats
Published on: February 23, 2015
Metacognitions as Mediators of Gender Identity-related Anxiety
Bruce A Fernie1, Talen Wright2, Gabriele Caselli3
1King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychology, London, UK and CASCAID, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Objective:
Research has found that the prevalence of psychological distress is substantially higher in transgender compared to cisgender populations. This study explored the role of metacognitions as mediators of anxiety in a sample comprising of cisgender and transgender individuals.
Method:
One-hundred and twenty-five individuals (19 trans-male; 24 male; 25 trans-female; 57 female) completed a series of measures that assessed metacognitions, worry and anxiety.
Results:
Correlation analyses were used to identify potential mediators of the relationship between gender identity and anxiety. A mediation model indicated that beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger entirely mediated the relationship between gender identity and anxiety (b = 2.00, bias corrected and accelerated confidence interval [0.68, 3.49]).
Conclusions:
Metacognitions play an important role in anxiety in transgender individuals.
Highlights:
-Metacognitions were found to mediate anxiety in transgender and cisgender individuals. -The exploration of metacognitions in transgender individuals experiencing psychological distress may have clinical utility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotype Threat and Self-fulfilling Prophecies
Horney's Sociocultural Approach
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Social Identity
Panic Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder

