Delusion-like experiences are related to negative perceptions of self and others in non-clinical individuals

Delusions are a core feature of psychosis and are thought to exist on a continuum from healthy individuals to clinical populations. This study examined the relationship between delusion-like experiences, using the Peters Delusional Inventory (PDI), and two aspects of personal worldview: core schemas (positive and negative views of the self and others) and locus of control (LOC). 258 healthy participants without a history of psychiatric illness completed an online survey assessing these constructs. Stepwise regression controlling for age and negative affect, revealed that negative self-schemas significantly predicted the presence of delusion-like experiences whilst negative schemas of others significantly predicted both the presence of delusion-like experiences and associated levels of distress and preoccupation. Positive schemas did not relate to delusions as measured by the PDI. Hierarchical regression demonstrated that LOC did not significantly predict delusion-like experiences. The findings highlight that negative schemas of others may be more critically related to delusional experiences than negative self-schemas. Replication in clinical samples is required, while some implications for future research and clinical interventions in prodromal psychosis are examined.