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Differential patterns in mind perception in subclinical paranoia: relationships to self-reported empathy
Benjamin Buck1, Neil Hester1, David L Penn1,2
1a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , USA.
Cognitive Neuropsychiatry
|March 3, 2017
Summary
Individuals with paranoia perceive others as having less of a mind, which partially explains their reduced empathy. Addressing distorted mind perception may improve social functioning in paranoia.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Social cognition and biases are well-researched in paranoia.
- Mind perception, the assessment of mental capacities in others, is less understood in paranoia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize mind perception in individuals with paranoia.
- To investigate the relationship between paranoia, mind perception, and empathy.
Main Methods:
- A large subclinical sample (n=890) completed measures of paranoia, schizotypy, mind perception, and dispositional empathy.
- Statistical analyses examined the interrelationships between these constructs and mediation effects.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of paranoia were associated with reduced mind perception towards others.
- Distorted mind perception partially mediated the relationship between paranoia and both perspective-taking and empathic concern.
Conclusions:
- Reduced mind perception is a key feature associated with paranoia.
- Targeting distorted mind perception could be a strategy for improving social functioning in paranoia and related psychopathology.
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