Testing a cognitive model of paranoia: experimental studies using virtual reality. (360G-Wellcome-077756_Z_05_Z)

£568,079

Paranoia occurs in the general population on a continuum from mild suspiciousness to delusions of persecution. Such thoughts are frequently distressing and can be a severe clinical problem. The key goal is to test rigorously the applicant's cognitive model of paranoia (Freeman et al, 2002; Freeman & Garety, 2004). This will exploit a new methodology. It has recently been shown that paranoid thoughts can occur in response to neutral Virtual Reality (VR) characters (Freeman et al, 2003; Freeman et al, in press). Paranoia in VR is associated with having similar thoughts in the real world. Unfounded persecutory ideation can therefore be studied under controlled laboratory conditions. The cognitive model will be used to predict paranoid thoughts in VR. Further, in order to test the causal role of key factors, the effect of manipulating variables on the occurrence of paranoid thoughts in VR will be investigated. Anxious ideation in VR will also be assessed to examine the additional factors associated with paranoid thoughts. Finally, the model will also be tested by examining its ability to predict paranoia after a real-life negative event (an assault) that raises levels of paranoid thoughts. Such theoretical advance can improve cognitive behavioural interventions for paranoia.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 568079
Applicant Surname Freeman
Approval Committee Basic Science Interview Committee
Award Date 2005-12-13T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2005/06
Grant Programme: Title Research Career Development Fellowship
Internal ID 077756/Z/05/Z
Lead Applicant Prof Daniel Freeman
Partnership Value 568079
Planned Dates: End Date 2010-06-30T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2006-04-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region Greater London
Sponsor(s) Prof Philippa Garety