Investigating paranoia using the Experience Sampling Method

The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) - a structured diary technique – has been used to investigate paranoid experiences as they occur in daily life. This thesis explores the contribution of ESM research to our knowledge about paranoid beliefs and includes a novel investigation of paranoia using ESM. Section 1. The literature investigating paranoid beliefs using ESM was systematically reviewed. The review found that ESM has contributed to our knowledge about a range of factors relevant to the paranoid process, including emotional factors, substance use, methodological issues, assessment and treatment, and genes. The review outlines methodological advantages as well as limitations of the reviewed research and discusses directions for future research. Section 2. The empirical investigation tested a hypothesis that paranoid beliefs combined with low perceived deservedness of persecution (Poor-me [PM] beliefs) may protect individuals against distress caused by stressful life events. The study also aimed to replicate a previous finding that PM beliefs enhance subsequent self-esteem. ESM was used to assess individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy controls. The results showed that PM beliefs were associated with attenuated emotional sensitivity to social but not activity stress. In contrast, paranoid beliefs combined with high perceived deservedness of persecution (Bad-me [BM] beliefs) were associated with hypersensitivity to social stress. There was a negative association between paranoia and subsequent self-esteem; the impact of paranoia on self-esteem was greater at higher levels of deservedness. These results suggest that PM beliefs may protect the individuals against the distress associated with stressful social encounters