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Paranoia is a complex phenomenon that is likely to arise from a number of factors. In a recent cognitive model of persecutory delusions, three key factors are highlighted: anomalous experiences, emotion, and reasoning. In the first of two linked studies, we report a questionnaire survey of nonclinical paranoia designed to assess the theoretical model. A nonclinical population (N = 327) completed measures of paranoia, anomalous experiences (hallucinatory predisposition, perceptual anomalies), emotion (depression, anxiety, self-focus, stress, interpersonal sensitivity), and reasoning (need for closure). Paranoia was best explained by separation anxiety, depression, fragile inner self, hallucinatory experiences, discomfort with ambiguity, stress, self-focus, perceptual anomalies, and anxiety. The findings are consistent with the central predictions within the model of paranoia.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/01.nmd.0000161687.12931.67

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Nerv Ment Dis

Publication Date

05/2005

Volume

193

Pages

302 - 308

Keywords

Adult, Delusions, Female, Humans, Male, Paranoid Disorders, Regression Analysis, Surveys and Questionnaires