Immediate and short term effects of values-based interventions on paranoia
Immediate and short term effects of values-based interventions on paranoia
Background and objectives
Paranoia is a common, distressing, and persistent experience that can negatively impact on health, wellbeing, and functioning. This study examined the immediate and short term (2-weeks) effects of two values-based interventions, versus a non-values control, on paranoia, as well as the moderating effect of self-esteem.
Methods
171 non-clinical adults were randomised to a value-affirmation and goals task (VAG: clarifying and reflecting on core values and setting value-based goals) (n = 57), a value-affirmation task (VA: clarifying and reflecting on core values without setting value-based goals) (n = 57), or a non-affirmation control task (NAC) (n = 57). Paranoia was assessed at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and two weeks post-intervention (T3). Self-esteem was measured at baseline.
Results
VAG participants had significantly lower state paranoia scores at T3 than VA (d = .34) and NAC (d = .31) participants. This effect was moderated by trait self-esteem: At follow-up, the differential effect of condition on state paranoia was greatest amongst those with low self-esteem, with the VAG condition being most beneficial for participants with low self-esteem and the VA condition being least beneficial.
Limitations
Without a goals only control group it is possible that the benefits of VAG over VA were attributable to setting and achieving goals. Use of a nonclinical sample limits generalisability to clinical groups.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that focusing on a deeply held value and setting goals in line with that value reduced paranoia. This intervention may be most beneficial for individuals with low self-esteem.
1-37
Evans, Nicole
c8a89165-2c03-47a4-bf7b-aa0d04d3f1e7
Ellett, Lyn
96482ea6-04b6-4a50-a7ec-ae0a3abc20ca
Carpenter, Rebecca
5eb46fa9-580e-488a-99bc-ab0e041365db
Kingston, Jessica
0a6d15b9-5390-4996-91c9-ef4be2bde1b7
27 July 2019
Evans, Nicole
c8a89165-2c03-47a4-bf7b-aa0d04d3f1e7
Ellett, Lyn
96482ea6-04b6-4a50-a7ec-ae0a3abc20ca
Carpenter, Rebecca
5eb46fa9-580e-488a-99bc-ab0e041365db
Kingston, Jessica
0a6d15b9-5390-4996-91c9-ef4be2bde1b7
Evans, Nicole, Ellett, Lyn, Carpenter, Rebecca and Kingston, Jessica
(2019)
Immediate and short term effects of values-based interventions on paranoia.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, .
(doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101500).
Abstract
Background and objectives
Paranoia is a common, distressing, and persistent experience that can negatively impact on health, wellbeing, and functioning. This study examined the immediate and short term (2-weeks) effects of two values-based interventions, versus a non-values control, on paranoia, as well as the moderating effect of self-esteem.
Methods
171 non-clinical adults were randomised to a value-affirmation and goals task (VAG: clarifying and reflecting on core values and setting value-based goals) (n = 57), a value-affirmation task (VA: clarifying and reflecting on core values without setting value-based goals) (n = 57), or a non-affirmation control task (NAC) (n = 57). Paranoia was assessed at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and two weeks post-intervention (T3). Self-esteem was measured at baseline.
Results
VAG participants had significantly lower state paranoia scores at T3 than VA (d = .34) and NAC (d = .31) participants. This effect was moderated by trait self-esteem: At follow-up, the differential effect of condition on state paranoia was greatest amongst those with low self-esteem, with the VAG condition being most beneficial for participants with low self-esteem and the VA condition being least beneficial.
Limitations
Without a goals only control group it is possible that the benefits of VAG over VA were attributable to setting and achieving goals. Use of a nonclinical sample limits generalisability to clinical groups.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that focusing on a deeply held value and setting goals in line with that value reduced paranoia. This intervention may be most beneficial for individuals with low self-esteem.
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More information
Published date: 27 July 2019
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 453603
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/453603
ISSN: 0005-7916
PURE UUID: 8d4e2908-91d2-45d6-aed5-7d4fb7a465c1
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Date deposited: 20 Jan 2022 17:35
Last modified: 17 Mar 2024 04:10
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Contributors
Author:
Nicole Evans
Author:
Rebecca Carpenter
Author:
Jessica Kingston
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