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