Self-Schemas and Self-Esteem Discrepancies in Subclinical Paranoia

Self-concepts are being intensively investigated in relation to paranoia, but research has shown some contradictory findings. Studying subclinical phenomena in a non-clinical population should allow for a clearer understanding given that clinical confounding factors are avoided. We explored self-est...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Monsonet, Manel|||0000-0003-1898-3212, Ballespí Sola, Sergi|||0000-0002-6584-4138, Sheinbaum Frank, Tamara|||0000-0002-2268-7697, Valiente, Carmen, Espinosa, Regina, Kwapil, Thomas|||0000-0003-1116-5954, Barrantes Vidal, Neus|||0000-0002-8671-1238
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:255392
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/255392
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.623755
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Paranoia
Self-esteem
Self-schemas
Depressive symptoms
Self-esteem discrepancies
Implicit self-esteem
Descripción
Sumario:Self-concepts are being intensively investigated in relation to paranoia, but research has shown some contradictory findings. Studying subclinical phenomena in a non-clinical population should allow for a clearer understanding given that clinical confounding factors are avoided. We explored self-esteem, self-schemas, and implicit/explicit self-esteem discrepancies in three non-clinical groups with different psychopathological traits and a control group. Methods: Participants with elevated trait-paranoia (n = 41), depressive symptoms (n = 34), a combination of both traits (n = 32), and a control group (n = 71) were assessed on implicit and explicit self-esteem, self-schemas, depression, and paranoia. A dimensional approach with the total sample (n = 208) was also used to complement the information provided by the group approach. Results: All groups presented similar and positive levels of implicit self-esteem. Trait-paranoia participants had similar levels of explicit self-esteem and self-schemas compared with the control group. However, the group with a combination of trait-paranoia and depressive symptoms showed the lowest levels of positive self-schemas and self-esteem. Furthermore, this group and the control group displayed implicit/explicit self-esteem discrepancies, although in opposite directions and with different implications. The dimensional approach revealed associations of trait-paranoia and depressive symptoms with poor explicit self-esteem and self-schemas but not with implicit self-esteem. Conclusions: Trait-paranoia participants showed different self-representations depending on whether depressive symptoms were present or not. The interaction between subclinical neurotic and psychotic traits entailed a detrimental self-representation that might increase the risk for psychopathology.