Psychological processes and their associations with positive and negative symptoms of psychosis.

Abstract

Paper one presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies investigating the relationship between insecure attachment and hallucinatory experiences in psychosis and non-clinical populations. Meta-analyses showed small positive associations between both anxious and avoidant attachment styles and hallucinatory experiences. These effects remained significant across clinical and non-clinical samples; however, high levels of statistical inconsistency were observed. A narrative summary was provided for associations not included in the meta-analysis, which indicated a pooled effect between disorganised/fearful attachment and hallucinatory experiences within the small-moderate range. Paper two provides a network analysis investigating interrelationships between measures of positive and negative psychosis symptoms, childhood trauma, insecure attachment and dissociation. The study utilised secondary survey data collected via online surveys as part of an ongoing programme of research (n=609). Analyses investigated the network structures within the entire sample and two subgroups of those with and without a diagnosis of psychosis. Bizarre experiences were the most central symptom, and paranoia, negative-self schemas, and depersonalisation-derealisation demonstrated strong connectivity both within and across constructs. No significant difference was found between the network structures of the two subgroups. Paper one and two discuss methodological limitations and research and clinical implications based on their findings. Paper three offers a critical reflection on the research undertaken for the current thesis. Theoretical and methodological issues relating to the research are discussed along with personal reflections on the research process.

Date of Award	19 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Katherine Berry (Supervisor) & Ali Baird (Supervisor)