Effects of Interpersonal Stress and Maladaptive Metacognitive Beliefs on Paranoid Ideation Among Japanese University Students

Abstract

Introduction

Paranoid ideation, a crucial component of psychotic-like experiences, tends to increase between early and late adolescence, even in the general population, and it negatively affects overall mental health and social adjustment. Japanese adolescents experience high levels of interpersonal stress. However, few studies have examined the relationship between paranoid ideation and interpersonal stress. This study investigated the effects of maladaptive metacognitive beliefs and interpersonal stress on paranoid ideation to provide suggestions for preventive education and early intervention for paranoid ideations among Japanese university students.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey involving 400 Japanese university students, aged between 18 and 22 years, was conducted. The questionnaires used were the Paranoia Checklist, the Metacognitive Questionnaire-30, and the Interpersonal Stressor Scale. The Interpersonal Stressor Scale was developed specifically for Japanese adolescents.

Results

A multiple regression analysis was performed, which showed that the regression coefficients of the interaction between maladaptive metacognitive beliefs and interpersonal stress were significant for paranoid ideation. The results of the simple slope analysis regarding the scales on which interactions were found also indicated that the influence of maladaptive metacognitive beliefs on paranoid ideation was greater when interpersonal stress levels were higher.

Conclusion

The combination of interpersonal stress and maladaptive metacognitive beliefs exacerbates paranoid ideation among Japanese university students. It is important to modify metacognitive and cognitive biases in preventive education and early intervention strategies.