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Hefnawy MT, Amer BE, Amer SA, Moghib K, Khlidj Y, Elfakharany B, Mouffokes A, Alazzeh ZJ, Soni NP, Wael M, Elsayed ME. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Sleeping Paralysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e53212. [PMID: 38425633 PMCID: PMC10902800 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP is unknown, and its prevalence varies among the studies. We aim to identify SP's global prevalence, the affected population's characteristics, and the SP's clinical picture. We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS)) using a unique search strategy to identify eligible studies. All observational studies identifying the prevalence or frequency of sleeping paralysis were included. No exclusions are made based on country, race, or questionnaire. The analysis was performed using the latest version of R software (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). The analysis included 76 studies from 25 countries with 167,133 participants. The global prevalence of SP was 30% (95% CI (22%, 39%)). There were similar frequencies of isolated SP and SP (33%, 95% CI (26%, 42%), I2 = 97%, P <0.01; 31%, 95% CI (21%, 43%), I2 = 100%, P = 0, respectively). A subgroup analysis showed that the majority of those who experienced SP were psychiatric patients (35%, 95% CI (20%, 55%), I2 = 96%, P <0.01). The prevalence among non-psychiatric patients was among students (34%, 95% CI (23%, 47%), I2 = 100%, P = 0). Auditory and visual hallucinations were reported in 24.25% of patients. Around 4% had only visual hallucinations. Meta-regression showed no association between the frequency of SP and sex. Publication bias was detected among the included studies through visual inspection of funnel plot asymmetry. Our findings revealed that 30% of the population suffered from SP, especially psychiatric patients and students. The majority of SP cases lacked associated hallucinations, while a noteworthy proportion experienced combined visual and auditory hallucinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud T Hefnawy
- Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, EGY
- Medical Research Group of Egypt Branch, Negida Academy, Arlington, USA
| | - Basma E Amer
- Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Banha, EGY
- Medical Research Group of Egypt Branch, Negida Academy, Arlington, USA
| | - Samar A Amer
- Family Medicine, Royal College of General Practice, London, GBR
- Faculty of Public Health and Community Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, EGY
| | | | - Yehya Khlidj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Algiers Benyoucef Benkhedda, Algiers, DZA
| | - Bahaa Elfakharany
- Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Pharos University, Alexandria, EGY
- Medical Research Group of Egypt Branch, Negida Academy, Arlington, USA
| | - Adel Mouffokes
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran, DZA
| | - Zainab J Alazzeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordanian University of Science and Technology, Ar-Ramtha, JOR
| | - Nishant P Soni
- Medicine, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Muhannad Wael
- Urology, Saint Joseph Hospital, Jerusalem, PSE
- Faculty of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, PSE
| | - Mohamed E Elsayed
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, DEU
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Rauf B, Perach R, Madrid-Valero JJ, Denis D, Sharpless BA, Farron H, French CC, Gregory AM. Associations between sleep variables and ostensibly paranormal experiences and paranormal beliefs: A scoping review. Br J Psychol 2023; 114:797-818. [PMID: 37070349 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Night-time is a period of great significance for many people who report paranormal experiences. However, there is limited understanding of the associations between sleep variables and seemingly paranormal experiences and/or beliefs. The aim of this review is to improve our understanding of these associations while unifying a currently fragmented literature-base into a structured, practical review. In this pre-registered scoping review, we searched for relevant studies in MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Web of Science and EMBASE using terms related to sleep and ostensibly paranormal experiences and beliefs. Forty-four studies met all inclusion criteria. All were cross-sectional and most investigated sleep paralysis and/or lucid dreaming in relation to ostensibly paranormal experiences and paranormal beliefs. Overall, there were positive associations between many sleep variables (including sleep paralysis, lucid dreams, nightmares, and hypnagogic hallucinations) and ostensibly paranormal experiences and paranormal beliefs (including those of ghosts, spirits, and near-death experiences). The findings of this review have potential clinical implications such as reducing misdiagnosis and treatment development and provide foundations for further research. Our findings also highlight the importance of understanding why so many people report 'things that go bump in the night'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Rauf
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rotem Perach
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
- School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Juan J Madrid-Valero
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Dan Denis
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Brian A Sharpless
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hope Farron
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Alice M Gregory
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
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Ableidinger S, Holzinger B. Sleep Paralysis and Lucid Dreaming-Between Waking and Dreaming: A Review about Two Extraordinary States. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103437. [PMID: 37240545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep paralysis and lucid dreams are two states of consciousness that are connected to REM sleep but are defined by higher awareness in contrast to regular REM sleep. Despite these similarities, the two states differ widely in their emotional tone and their perceived controllability. This review aims to summarize the current research containing sleep paralysis and lucid dreams. However, given the sparsity of the research, one single topic cannot be chosen. METHODS Articles containing both lucid dreams as well as sleep paralysis were searched for in the following databanks: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and PSYNDEX. Further, citations of the found papers were examined. RESULTS 10 studies were included in the review. Most of the studies were surveys, but there was also a case study, a randomized trial, and an observational EEG study. The numbers of participants ranged from a single participant in the case study to 1928 participants in a survey. The main findings were that correlations between sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming were positive and significant in most of the studies. CONCLUSIONS There is a connection between lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis. However, research is still very limited and diverse in the methodologies used. Future research should build standardized methods for examining the two phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brigitte Holzinger
- Institute for Consciousness and Dream Research, 1180 Vienna, Austria
- Sleep Coaching, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Duarte JM, Lisi GR, Carroll BT, Garro MF, Appiani FJ. The prevalence of sleep paralysis in medical students in Buenos Aires, Argentina. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2023; 14:272-275. [PMID: 37181188 PMCID: PMC10174134 DOI: 10.25259/jnrp_16_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of sleep paralysis (SP) in medical students from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). Materials and Methods An ad hoc questionnaire based on the diagnosis of SP and a demographic survey was electronically presented to students of Internal Medicine at the School of Medicine of the UBA. The respondents answered both questionnaires using Google Forms®. Results The prevalence of SP was 40.7% (95% CI 33.5-47.8). A higher percentage of the respondents (76%) reported experiencing SP-related anxiety. An association between self-perceived quality of sleep and the incidence of SP was found (χ2: 12.712, P = 0.002). The highest frequency was hypnopompic SP (55.55%), and the highest percentage (55.4%) suffered from SP less than once every 6 months. Most respondents (59.5%) reported having started with SP symptoms after 18 years of age, and the highest percentage (66.2%) had exacerbated their symptoms at college. The frequency of the Incubus phenomenon was 14.5% (95% CI 6.2-23). Most respondents (70.8%) denied the association of SP with religious or paranormal beliefs. Conclusion SP is highly prevalent in medical students and is associated with poor sleep habits and perceived poor sleep quality. Clinicians should be aware of this parasomnia to avoid a misdiagnosis of psychosis and inform sufferers of the nature of SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Duarte
- Department of Mental Health, División Neuropsicofarmacología, Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín,”Buenos Aires, Argentina, United States
| | - Gisela Roxana Lisi
- Department of Mental Health, División Neuropsicofarmacología, Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín,”Buenos Aires, Argentina, United States
| | | | - Marcelo Fabián Garro
- Department of Mental Health, División Neuropsicofarmacología, Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín,”Buenos Aires, Argentina, United States
| | - Francisco José Appiani
- Department of Mental Health, División Neuropsicofarmacología, Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín,”Buenos Aires, Argentina, United States
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Rauf B, Perach R, Madrid-Valero JJ, Denis D, Sharpless BA, Poerio GL, French CC, Gregory AM. The associations between paranormal beliefs and sleep variables. J Sleep Res 2023:e13810. [PMID: 36632033 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found significant associations between paranormal beliefs and sleep variables. However, these have been conducted on a small scale and are limited in the number of sleep variables investigated. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating paranormal beliefs in relation to a wide range of sleep variables in a large sample. Participants (N = 8853) completed a survey initiated by the BBC Focus Magazine. They reported on their demographics, sleep disturbances and paranormal beliefs. Poorer subjective sleep quality (lower sleep efficiency, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration and increased insomnia symptoms) was associated with greater endorsement of belief in: (1) the soul living on after death; (2) the existence of ghosts; (3) demons; (4) an ability for some people to communicate with the dead; (5) near-death experiences are evidence for life after death; and (6) aliens have visited earth. In addition, episodes of exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis were associated with the belief that aliens have visited earth. Isolated sleep paralysis was also associated with the belief that near-death experiences are evidence for life after death. Findings obtained here indicate that there are associations between beliefs in the paranormal and various sleep variables. This information could potentially better equip us to support sleep via psychoeducation. Mechanisms underlying these associations are likely complex, and need to be further explored to fully understand why people sometimes report "things that go bump in the night".
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Rauf
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rotem Perach
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK.,School of Social Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Juan J Madrid-Valero
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Dan Denis
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Brian A Sharpless
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Alice M Gregory
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
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Dagnall N, Denovan A, Drinkwater KG. Variations in Well-Being as a Function of Paranormal Belief and Psychopathological Symptoms: A Latent Profile Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:886369. [PMID: 35814073 PMCID: PMC9263512 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined variations in well-being as a function of the interaction between paranormal belief and psychopathology-related constructs. A United Kingdom-based, general sample of 4,402 respondents completed self-report measures assessing paranormal belief, psychopathology (schizotypy, depression, manic experience, and depressive experience), and well-being (perceived stress, somatic complaints, and life satisfaction). Latent profile analysis identified four distinct sub-groups: Profile 1, high Paranormal Belief and Psychopathology (n = 688); Profile 2, high Paranormal Belief and Unusual Experiences; moderate Psychopathology (n = 800); Profile 3, moderate Paranormal Belief and Psychopathology (n = 846); and Profile 4, low Paranormal Belief and Psychopathology (n = 2070). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) found that sub-groups with higher psychopathology scores (Profiles 1 and 3) reported lower well-being. Higher Paranormal Belief, however, was not necessarily associated with lower psychological adjustment and reduced well-being (Profile 2). These outcomes indicated that belief in the paranormal is not necessarily non-adaptive, and that further research is required to identify the conditions under which belief in the paranormal is maladaptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Walsh S, Sproson L, Peverell M, Denovan A. Self-Ascribed Paranormal Ability: Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:845283. [PMID: 35496155 PMCID: PMC9039395 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.845283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated personal perceptions (involvements) and comprehensions (interpretations) of self-ascribed paranormal abilities. Twelve participants with supposed supernatural powers took part in semi-structured interviews exploring the origin, phenomenology, and nature of their powers. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), a qualitative method that identifies patterns within data. Four major themes expressed meanings and representations held by participants: Formative Influences (sub-themes: Gifted Family Members and Anomalous Occurrence), (Inter) Subjective Paranormal Experience (sub-themes: Transcendental/Mystic and Extra-Sensory Perception), Embodied Processes (sub-theme: Control), and Perception of Reality (two sub-themes: Self-Awareness and Fantastic/Surreal Perceptions). Consideration of themes identified an inextricable link between perception, interpretation, and belief in ability. Within narratives, interviewees outlined, contextualised, and established the validity of their powers. They drew upon supporting autobiographical evidence from their life histories and obfuscated and/or discounted conventional explanations. Generally, accounts reflected individual attempts to comprehend and justify the nature and experience of professed abilities. The authors discuss these processes and suggest ways to extend and develop ensuing research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Walsh
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Sproson
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Peverell
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Parker A, Escolà-Gascón Á. Paranormal Experience Profiles and Their Association With Variations in Executive Functions: A Latent Profile Analysis. Front Psychol 2022; 12:778312. [PMID: 35082722 PMCID: PMC8784801 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated relationships between inter-class variations in paranormal experience and executive functions. A sample of 516 adults completed self-report measures assessing personal encounter-based paranormal occurrences (i.e., Experience, Practitioner Visiting, and Ability), executive functions (i.e., General Executive Function, Working and Everyday Memory, and Decision Making) together with Emotion Regulation and Belief in the Paranormal. Paranormal belief served as a measure of convergent validity for experience-based phenomena. Latent profile analysis (LPA) combined experience-based indices into four classes based on sample subpopulation scores. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) then examined interclass differences. Results revealed that breadth of paranormal experience was associated with higher levels of executive functioning difficulties for General Executive Function, Working Memory, Decision Making, and Belief in the Paranormal. On the Everyday Memory Questionnaire, scores differed on Attention Tracking (focus loss) and Factor 3 (visual reconstruction), but not Retrieval (distinct memory failure). In the case of the Emotion Regulation Scale, class scores varied on Expressive Suppression (control), however, no difference was evident on Cognitive Reappraisal (reframing). Overall, inter-class comparisons identified subtle differences in executive functions related to experience. Since the present study was exploratory, sampled only a limited subset of executive functions, and used subjective, self-report measures, further research is necessary to confirm these outcomes. This should employ objective tests and include a broader range of executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrew Parker
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Williams C. Paranormal Belief, Thinking Style and Delusion Formation: A Latent Profile Analysis of Within-Individual Variations in Experience-Based Paranormal Facets. Front Psychol 2021; 12:670959. [PMID: 34262510 PMCID: PMC8273333 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.670959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the degree to which within-individual variations in paranormal experience were related to belief in the paranormal, preferential thinking style, and delusion formation. A sample of 956 non-clinical adults completed measures assessing experience-based paranormal indices (i.e., paranormal experience, paranormal practitioner visiting, and paranormal ability), paranormal belief, belief in science, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning. Latent profile analysis (LPA) combined the experience-based indices to produce six underlying groups. Inter-class comparison via multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that both breadth and intensity of experiential factors were associated with higher belief in in the paranormal, increased proneness to reality testing deficits, and greater emotion-based reasoning. Belief in science, however, was less susceptible to experiential variations. Further analysis of reality testing subscales revealed that experiential profiles influenced levels of intrapsychic activity in subtle and intricate ways, especially those indexing Auditory and Visual Hallucinations and Delusional Thinking. Collectively, identification of profiles and inter-class comparisons provided a sophisticated understanding of the relative contribution of experiential factors to differences in paranormal belief, belief in science, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning.
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Kliková M, Piorecký M, Miletínová E, Janků K, Dudysová DU, Bušková J. Objective REM sleep characteristics of recurrent isolated sleep paralysis: a case-control study. Sleep 2021; 44:6305144. [PMID: 34145456 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis (RISP) is a rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnia characterized by a dissociative state with characteristics of REM sleep and wakefulness. Pathophysiology has not yet been clarified and very little research has been performed using objective polysomnographic measures with inconsistent results. The main aim of our study was to find whether higher REM sleep fragmentation is consistent with the theory of state dissociation or whether signs of dissociation can be detected by spectral analysis. METHODS Nineteen participants in the RISP group and 19 age- and gender-matched participants in the control group underwent two consecutive full-night video-polysomnography recordings with 19-channel electroencephalography. Apart from sleep macrostructure, other REM sleep characteristics such as REM arousal index, percentage of wakefulness and stage shifts within REM sleep period were analyzed, as well as power spectral analysis during REM sleep. RESULTS No difference was found in the macrostructural parameters of REM sleep (percentage of REM sleep and REM latency). Similarly, no significant difference was detected in REM sleep fragmentation (assessed by REM sleep arousal index, percentage of wakefulness and stage shifts within REM sleep). Power spectral analysis showed higher bifrontal beta activity in the RISP group during REM sleep. CONCLUSIONS The results showed an underlying persistent trait of higher cortical activity that may predispose patients with SP to be more likely to experience recurrent episodes, without any apparent macrostructural features including higher REM sleep fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kliková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Piorecký
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Miletínová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Janků
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Urbaczka Dudysová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Bušková
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Drinkwater KG, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Williams C. Differences in Cognitive-Perceptual Factors Arising From Variations in Self-Professed Paranormal Ability. Front Psychol 2021; 12:681520. [PMID: 34177736 PMCID: PMC8222626 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.681520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether scores on indices related to subclinical delusion formation and thinking style varied as a function of level of self-professed paranormal ability. To assess this, the researchers compared three groups differing in personal ascription of paranormal powers: no ability, self-professed ability, and paranormal practitioners (i.e., Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists, and Fortune-Tellers). Paranormal practitioners (compared with no and self-professed ability conditions) were expected to score higher on paranormal belief, proneness to reality testing deficits, emotion-based reasoning, and lower on belief in science. Comparable differences were predicted between the self-professed and no ability conditions. A sample of 917 respondents (329 males, 588 females) completed self-report measures online. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed an overall main effect. Further investigation, using discriminant descriptive analysis, indicated that paranormal practitioners scored higher on proneness to reality testing deficits, paranormal belief, and emotion-based reasoning. Belief in science did not meaningfully contribute to the discriminant function. Overall, results were consistent with previous academic work in the domains of paranormal belief and experience, which has reported that paranormal-related cognitions and perceptions are associated with factors related to subclinical delusion formation (i.e., emotion-based/intuitive thinking).
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Mojtahedi D, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Clough P, Hull S, Canning D, Lilley C, Papageorgiou KA. The Relationship Between Mental Toughness, Job Loss, and Mental Health Issues During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:607246. [PMID: 33613333 PMCID: PMC7886783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.607246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns toward public well-being and mental health are increasing considering the COVID-19 pandemic's global societal and individual impact. The present study builds on the current body of COVID-19 literature by examining the role of mental toughness (MT) in predicting negative affective states (depression, anxiety and stress) during the pandemic. The study also examined the effects of changes in employment on mental health and MT. Participants (N = 723) completed a battery of questionnaires including the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-item, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 items. Participants reported relatively higher levels of depression, stress and anxiety in comparison to pre-COVID-19 samples from previous research, with respondents who had lost their jobs during the pandemic reporting higher levels of negative affective states. Despite this, mentally tough individuals appeared to report lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Moreover, moderation analyses identified some interaction between MT and employment status when predicting depression, anxiety and stress. Our findings suggest that MT may have some utility in reducing the adverse mental health effects of the pandemic on individuals, however, further longitudinal research is needed to support these implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara Mojtahedi
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Clough
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Hull
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Derry Canning
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Lilley
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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