This point is extremely relevant because when origins of distrust and suspicion (two components of paranoid cognition) are studied many researchers have accentuated the importance of social interaction, particularly when social interaction has gone awry. This intra-psychic perspective emphasizes that the cause of paranoid cognitions is inside the head of the people (social perceiver), and dismisses the possibility that paranoid cognition may be related to the social context in which such cognitions are embedded. For instance, Colby (1981) suggested that the biases of blaming others for one's problems serve to alleviate the distress produced by the feeling of being humiliated, and helps to repudiate the belief that the self is to blame for such incompetence. From this point of view, paranoid cognition is a manifestation of an intra-psychic conflict or disturbance. Paranoid cognition has been conceptualized by clinical psychology almost exclusively in terms of psychodynamic constructs and dispositional variables. Three components of paranoid cognition have been identified by Robins & Post: a) suspicions without enough basis that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving them b) preoccupation with unjustified doubts about the loyalty, or trustworthiness, of friends or associates c) reluctance to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information will be used maliciously against them (1997, p. 3). Ĭolby (1981) defined paranoid cognition in terms of persecutory delusions and false beliefs whose propositional content clusters around ideas of being harassed, threatened, harmed, subjugated, persecuted, accused, mistreated, wronged, tormented, disparaged, vilified, and so on, by malevolent others, either specific individuals or groups (p. 518). Many more mood-based symptoms, grandiosity and guilt, may underlie functional paranoia. This could be due to the aforementioned effects of discriminatory events and humiliation. In addition to this it has been noted that immigrants are quite susceptible to forms of psychosis. Such reports that paranoia seemed to appear more in older patients who had experienced higher levels of discrimination throughout their lives. ĭiscrimination has also been reported as a potential predictor of paranoid delusions. Experiences likely to enhance or manifest the symptoms of paranoia include increased rates of disappointment, stress, and a hopeless state of mind. It was even noted that, "indulging and pampering (thereby impressing the child that they are something special and warrants special privileges)," can be contributing backgrounds. These environments could include being very disciplinary, stringent, and unstable. Įmanuel Messinger reports that surveys have revealed that paranoia can develop from parental relationships and untrustworthy environments. In addition, this study explains that females have the tendency to believe in external control at a higher rate than males, potentially making females more susceptible to mistrust and the effects of socioeconomic status on paranoia. Those living in a lower socioeconomic status may feel less in control of their own lives.
Potential causes of these effects included a sense of believing in external control, and mistrust which can be strengthened by lower socioeconomic status. Based on data collected by means of a mental health survey distributed to residents of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua (in Mexico) and El Paso, Texas (in the United States), paranoid beliefs seem to be associated with feelings of powerlessness and victimization, enhanced by social situations. Social circumstances appear to be highly influential in paranoid beliefs. Social anxiety is at the bottom of this hierarchy as the most frequently exhibited level of paranoia. The least common types of paranoia at the very top of the hierarchy would be those involving more serious threats.
Īccording to some research there is a hierarchy for paranoia. Most commonly paranoid individuals tend to be of a single status. ĭue to the suspicious and troublesome personality traits of paranoia, it is unlikely that someone with paranoia will thrive in interpersonal relationships. Some scientists have created different subtypes for the various symptoms of paranoia including erotic, persecutory, litigious, and exalted. A paranoid person may view someone else's accidental behavior as though it is with intent or threatening.Īn investigation of a non-clinical paranoid population found that feeling powerless and depressed, isolating oneself, and relinquishing activities are characteristics that could be associated with those exhibiting more frequent paranoia. These individuals typically have a biased perception of reality, often exhibiting more hostile beliefs. A common symptom of paranoia is the attribution bias.
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