The central role of negative emotional states, rejection sensitivity and negative self-beliefs in a complex non-clinical paranoia network model.

Abstract

Purpose: Existing theoretical models suggest that paranoid thoughts develop against the background of increased interpersonal sensitivity, thus heightening feelings of vulnerability, social evaluative concerns, and fears of social rejection. However, the complex interrelatedness among the risk factors contributing to the development of paranoid thoughts remains poorly understood.

Methods: A total of 1019 adults from the non-clinical population participated in a study that employed anetwork approach to explore the complex interactions between paranoid thoughts and severalrisk factors, including traumatic childhood experiences, sleep quality, rejection sensitivity, negative self-views, negative emotional states, and aberrant salience.

Results: The results revealed that negative emotional states, mainly stress and anxiety, low self-esteem, negative body image, increased rejection sensitivity, and emotional neglect in childhood werethe most central nodes in the network. Furthermore, aside from the experience of emotionalneglect, these variables were also identified as the strongest bridge factors within the network.

Conclusion: The findings offer new insights into the risk factors associated with the development ofparanoid thoughts, suggesting potential triggers that could propagate other symptoms withinthe paranoia network. The results indicate that interventions targeting self-esteem, negativebody image, anxiety, and rejection sensitivity may prevent the progression of paranoidthoughts into more severe forms.