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The defensive function of persecutory delusions: an investigation using the Implicit Association Test
Ryan McKay1, Robyn Langdon, Max Coltheart
1Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia. rmckay@csu.edu.au
Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
|December 13, 2006
Summary
Patients with persecutory delusions exhibit lower implicit self-esteem, supporting the defensive function of delusions in maintaining self-esteem. This study used the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to measure covert self-esteem.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Persecutory delusions may arise defensively to protect self-esteem.
- A key prediction is the link between delusions and self-esteem discrepancies.
- Previous models suggest a defensive construction of delusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between persecutory delusions and self-esteem.
- To test the defensive model of delusion formation.
- To assess covert self-esteem using the Implicit Association Test (IAT).
Main Methods:
- Employed the Implicit Association Test (IAT) for covert self-esteem.
- Used Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale for overt self-esteem.
- Included patients with acute/remitted persecutory delusions and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Persecutory delusion patients showed lower covert self-esteem via IAT.
- No significant differences in overt self-esteem when controlling for depression.
- Covert self-esteem deficits were specific to active persecutory delusions.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the defensive function of persecutory delusions.
- Delusions may serve to maintain self-esteem.
- Covert self-esteem is a relevant factor in persecutory delusion models.
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