Paranoia and the social representation of others: a large-scale game theory approach.

ABSTRACT: Current definitions of paranoia include two key components: unfounded ideas of harm and the idea that the harm is intended by others. However, attributions of harmful intent have been poorly studied and mainly using artificial scenarios rather than participation in genuine social interactions where genuine resources are at stake. Using a large non-clinical population (N = 3229) recruited online, we asked people to complete a measure of paranoid ideation before playing a modified Dictator Game, where the 'dictator' can allocate money to the partner (the 'receiver'). Participants were allocated to the role of receiver or of an uninvolved observer; and evaluated to what extent they believed dictator decisions were motivated by (i) self-interest or (ii) harmful intent. All participants attribu

SUBMITTER: Raihani NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5495777 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature