Attributions and Paranoid Delusions with Research Portfolio

Thomson, Ruth E (1998) Attributions and Paranoid Delusions with Research Portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that individuals with persecutory delusions excessively externally attribute negative events. This bias is thought to protect these individuals from becoming aware of their own negative self-referent attitudes. The present study asks whether this self-serving external attributional bias is a state feature of persecutory delusions or a trait feature of individuals who experience persecutory delusions. Method: There were two groups: individuals with persecutory delusions, and individuals with remitted illness, but who typically experienced persecutory delusions during relapse. Subjects were required to complete implicit and explicit measures of attributional inference. Severity of depression and self-esteem were also rated. Results: Individuals with persecutory delusions presented with an excessive external attributional bias for negative events, when compared with remitted controls. Delusional subjects were also significantly more depressed than remitted controls. Conclusions: The results replicate findings of previous studies and also suggest that the attributional bias is a state feature associated with persecutory delusions rather than a trait feature of individuals who experience persecutory delusions. Treatment implications for delusional and relapse-prone individuals are discussed. Directions for future research are suggested.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Adviser: Paul Fleming
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Date of Award: 1998
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1998-74507
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 13 Nov 2019 15:58
• Last Modified: 13 Nov 2019 15:58
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/74507