Relationship between Mind Wandering and Cognitive Failure in Middle Age: The Mediating Role of Metacognition

Given that the population of the country is aging, the study of cognitive functions related to aging deserves attention. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of metacognition in the relationship between mind wandering and cognitive failure. The research design was descriptive-correlational and statistical population consisted of all middle-aged in Shiraz in 2020. In order to collect data, questionnaires of mind wandering, metacognition and cognitive failure were used. The research sample was 228 middle-aged through online recall and via social network and were assessed with questionnaires of mind wandering, metacognition and cognitive failure were used. The results of data analysis showed that mind wandering has a significant positive relationship with metacognition and cognitive failure. There was a significant positive relationship between metacognition and cognitive failure. Also the results of path analysis indicated that metacognition has a mediating role in the relationship between and mind wandering and cognitive failure. Therefore, according to the results of the present study, by providing therapeutic interventions based on reducing mind wandering and negative metacognitive beliefs, the rate of cognitive failure in middle-aged people can be reduced and thus to prevent or control cognitive decline in middle age and elderly.