Paranoia, sensitization and social inference: findings from two large-scale, multi-round behavioural experiments.

ABSTRACT: The sensitization model suggests that paranoia is explained by over-sensitivity to social threat. However, this has been difficult to test experimentally. We report two preregistered social interaction studies that tested (i) whether paranoia predicted overall attribution and peak attribution of harmful intent and (ii) whether anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity and worry predicted the attribution of harmful intent. In Study 1, we recruited a large general population sample (N = 987) who serially interacted with other participants in multi-round dictator games and matched to fair, partially fair or unfair partners. Participants rated attributions of harmful intent and self-interest after each interaction. In Study 2 (N = 1011), a new sample of participants completed the same p

SUBMITTER: Barnby JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7137981 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature