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Psychological characteristics of religious delusions

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posted on 2023-06-21, 06:01 authored by Robel Iyassu, Suzanne Jolley, Paul Bebbington, Graham Dunn, Richard Emsley, Daniel Freeman, David FowlerDavid Fowler, Amy Hardy, Helen Waller, Elizabeth Kuipers, Philippa Garety
Purpose Religious delusions are common and are considered to be particularly difficult to treat. In this study we investigated what psychological processes may underlie the reported treatment resistance. In particular, we focused on the perceptual, cognitive, affective and behavioural mechanisms held to maintain delusions in cognitive models of psychosis, as these form the key treatment targets in cognitive behavioural therapy. We compared religious delusions to delusions with other content. Methods Comprehensive measures of symptoms and psychological processes were completed by 383 adult participants with delusions and a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis, drawn from two large studies of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis. Results Binary logistic regression showed that religious delusions were associated with higher levels of grandiosity (OR 7.5; 95 % CI 3.9–14.1), passivity experiences, having internal evidence for their delusion (anomalous experiences or mood states), and being willing to consider alternatives to their delusion (95 % CI for ORs 1.1–8.6). Levels of negative symptoms were lower. No differences were found in delusional conviction, insight or attitudes towards treatment. Conclusions Levels of positive symptoms, particularly anomalous experiences and grandiosity, were high, and may contribute to symptom persistence. However, contrary to previous reports, we found no evidence that people with religious delusions would be less likely to engage in any form of help. Higher levels of flexibility may make them particularly amenable to cognitive behavioural approaches, but particular care should be taken to preserve self-esteem and valued aspects of beliefs and experiences.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

ISSN

0933-7954

Publisher

Springer Verlag

Issue

7

Volume

49

Page range

1051-1061

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-07-25

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-07-25

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-07-25

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