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Drinkwater KG, Denovan A, Dagnall N. Paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being: Latent profile analysis and longitudinal assessment of relationships. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297403. [PMID: 38446771 PMCID: PMC10917279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Within non-clinical samples the relationship between paranormal belief (PB) and well-being varies as a function of level of psychopathology. Accordingly, believers are best conceptualised as a heterogeneous set of sub-groups. The usefulness of previous findings has been restricted by conceptual methodological limitations. Specifically, overreliance on cross-sectional design, the assumption that believers constitute a homogeneous group, and consideration of direct effects. Acknowledging these limitations, the present study investigated whether profile membership derived from PB and psychopathology (schizotypy and manic-depressive experience) predicted well-being (i.e., stress, somatic complaints, life satisfaction and meaning in life) across time. Concurrently, analysis assessed the mediating effect of theoretically important variables (transliminality, happiness orientation, fearful and skeptical attitude). A sample of 1736 (Mage = 52, range = 18 to 88; 883 females, 845 males, eight non-binary) completed self-report measures indexing study constructs across time points. Latent profile analysis at baseline, identified three sub-groups varying in level of PB and psychopathology at baseline: Profile 1, moderate PB and high psychopathology; Profile 2, moderate PB and psychopathology; and Profile 3, moderate PB and low psychopathology. Path analysis demonstrated that Profile 1 (the highest psychopathology scoring profile) predicted higher negative and lower positive well-being over time in comparison with the other profiles. Moreover, Transliminality and Fearful Attitude positively mediated this relationship, whereas Skeptical Attitude produced negative mediation. These outcomes supported the presence of a sophisticated process underpinning the PB and well-being relationship. Overall, PB in the absence of psychopathology had no significant influence on well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Graham Drinkwater
- Faculty of Health and Education, Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Faculty of Health and Education, Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Faculty of Health and Education, Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Denovan A, Dagnall N, Drinkwater KG. The paranormal health beliefs scale: an evaluation using cognitive interviewing. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1306372. [PMID: 38348264 PMCID: PMC10859447 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1306372] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Paranormal health beliefs denote the inclination to endorse illusory supernatural notions about well-being and treatment. These ideations are important since they potentially influence perceptions of health and allied behaviors. Noting this, researchers in Italy developed and verified the Paranormal Health Beliefs Scale (PHBS). Despite initial promising outcomes, the construct and measurement properties of the PHBS have remained under investigated. This is likely due to the fact that the instrument draws heavily on traditional Italian social, political, and religious influences and is overly culturally specific. Hence, items do not generalize well across populations and nationalities. Acknowledging these factors, this study used cognitive interviewing (think aloud protocol and concurrent probing) to assess the suitability of the PHBS for general use. Concurrently, the intention was to identify necessary modifications that would enhance scale performance. Fourteen interviewees (eight males and six females), evenly distributed across two rounds, participated. Round 1 focused on comprehension and perception of the PHBS. Cognitive interviews identified issues with culturally particular content/points of reference, phraseology, and wording. To address these a modified version of the PHBS was produced. Round 2 then examined the effectiveness of changes. Analysis revealed fewer concerns, although difficulties with ambiguity, complex terminology, and response scale appropriateness persisted. Overall, interviews indicated that a focus on illusory (rather than paranormal) health beliefs would improve scale utility. Methodologically, cognitive interviewing provided invaluable insights into the effectiveness of the PHBS and identified ways in which researchers could adapt the instrument for use with other cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Denovan
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Escolà‐Gascón Á, Houran J, Dagnall N, Drinkwater K, Denovan A. Follow-up on the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) remote viewing experiments ☆. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3026. [PMID: 37133806 PMCID: PMC10275521 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 1972, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) commissioned several research programs on remote viewing (RV) that were progressively declassified from 1995 to 2003. The main objectives of this research were to statistically replicate the original findings and address the question: What are the underlying cognitive mechanisms involved in RV? The research focused on emotional intelligence (EI) theory and intuitive information processing as possible hypothetical mechanisms. METHODS We used a quasi-experimental design with new statistical control techniques based on structural equation modeling, analysis of invariance, and forced-choice experiments to accurately objectify results. We measured emotional intelligence with the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test. A total of 347 participants who were nonbelievers in psychic experiences completed an RV experiment using targets based on location coordinates. A total of 287 participants reported beliefs in psychic experiences and completed another RV experiment using targets based on images of places. Moreover, we divided the total sample into further subsamples for the purpose of replicating the findings and also used different thresholds on standard deviations to test for variation in effect sizes. The hit rates on the psi-RV task were contrasted with the estimated chance. RESULTS The results of our first group analysis were nonsignificant, but the analysis applied to the second group produced significant RV-related effects corresponding to the positive influence of EI (i.e., hits in the RV experiments were 19.5% predicted from EI) with small to moderate effect sizes (between 0. 457 and 0.853). CONCLUSIONS These findings have profound implications for a new hypothesis of anomalous cognitions relative to RV protocols. Emotions perceived during RV sessions may play an important role in the production of anomalous cognitions. We propose the Production-Identification-Comprehension (PIC) emotional model as a function of behavior that could enhance VR test success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álex Escolà‐Gascón
- Area of Applied Mathematics and StatisticsRamon Llull University (Blanquerna Foundation)BarcelonaSpain
| | - James Houran
- Laboratory for Statistics and ComputationISLA—Instituto Politécnico de Gestão e TecnologiaVila Nova de GaiaPortugal
- Integrated Knowledge SystemsDallasTexasUSA
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social CareManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Kenneth Drinkwater
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social CareManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of People and PerformanceFaculty of Business and LawManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
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Dagnall N, Denovan A, Drinkwater KG. Longitudinal assessment of the temporal stability and predictive validity of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1094701. [PMID: 36778162 PMCID: PMC9911539 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1094701] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS) is the prevailing measure of supernatural credence. However, there exists only limited evidence to support the temporal stability and predictive validity of the instrument over time. Acknowledging this, the present study assessed the test-retest reliability of the RPBS using a large, heterogeneous sample across multiple trials. In addition, predictive validity was tested using a longitudinal statistical model, which focused on allied health outcomes (Perceived Stress and Somatic Complaints). A sample of 1,665 (M age = 54.40, 853 females, 804 males, five non-binary and three not disclosing of gender) completed study measures at three time points separated by 2 month intervals. Prior to assessing temporal stability, assessment of structural validity and longitudinal invariance occurred. Test-retest reliability of the RPBS was in the moderate to high range across time intervals, and good internal consistency was observed. Furthermore, satisfactory stability coefficients existed for RPBS subfactors. Data-model fit for the predictive model was acceptable. Belief in the paranormal explained low variance over time in Perceived Stress and Somatic Complaints (between 2.4 and 4.2%). Findings supported the stability and reliability of the RPBS. In addition, they aligned with the notion that paranormal belief in the absence of high scores on cognitive-perceptual factors (e.g. transliminality and schizotypy), has a benign influence on perceived health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Neil Dagnall, ✉
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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Escolà-Gascón Á, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Drinkwater K, Diez-Bosch M. Who falls for fake news? Psychological and clinical profiling evidence of fake news consumers. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 200:111893. [PMID: 36089997 PMCID: PMC9450498 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Awareness of the potential psychological significance of false news increased during the coronavirus pandemic, however, its impact on psychopathology and individual differences remains unclear. Acknowledging this, the authors investigated the psychological and psychopathological profiles that characterize fake news consumption. A total of 1452 volunteers from the general population with no previous psychiatric history participated. They responded to clinical psychopathology assessment tests. Respondents solved a fake news screening test, which allowed them to be allocated to a quasi-experimental condition: group 1 (non-fake news consumers) or group 2 (fake news consumers). Mean comparison, Bayesian inference, and multiple regression analyses were applied. Participants with a schizotypal, paranoid, and histrionic personality were ineffective at detecting fake news. They were also more vulnerable to suffer its negative effects. Specifically, they displayed higher levels of anxiety and committed more cognitive biases based on suggestibility and the Barnum Effect. No significant effects on psychotic symptomatology or affective mood states were observed. Corresponding to these outcomes, two clinical and therapeutic recommendations related to the reduction of the Barnum Effect and the reinterpretation of digital media sensationalism were made. The impact of fake news and possible ways of prevention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álex Escolà-Gascón
- Blanquerna Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Psychology Department Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Denovan
- University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Drinkwater
- Psychology Department Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Diez-Bosch
- Blanquerna Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
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Dagnall N, Denovan A, Drinkwater KG, Escolà-Gascón Á. Paranormal belief and well-being: The moderating roles of transliminality and psychopathology-related facets. Front Psychol 2022; 13:915860. [PMID: 36046418 PMCID: PMC9421129 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of prior research suggests that belief in the paranormal is more likely to be associated with negative psychological functioning, when presented alongside cognitive-perceptual factors that askew thinking and insight. The current study examined this notion using a sample of 3,084 participants (1,382 males, 1,693 females, nine non-binary). Respondents completed self-report measures assessing Paranormal Belief, Transliminality, psychopathology-related characteristics (Schizotypy and Manic-Depressive Experience), and well-being (Perceived Stress and Somatic Complaints). Responses were analysed via correlations and moderation. Paranormal Belief correlated positively with Transliminality, psychopathology-related measures, Perceived Stress, and Somatic Complaints. Moderation analyses revealed that Transliminality and psychopathology-related variables (i.e., the Unusual Experiences and Cognitive Disorganisation subscales of schizotypy, and Manic-Depressive Experience) interacted with Paranormal Belief in complex ways and were allied to higher scores on negative well-being outcomes. This indicated that within paranormal believers, Transliminality and specific psychopathology-related variables in combination predicted susceptibility to negative well-being outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Neil Dagnall,
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Álex Escolà-Gascón
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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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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Reconsidering academic beliefs about belief in the paranormal. Explore (NY) 2022; 18:387-389. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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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, Parker A, Escolà-Gascón Á. Executive Functioning: Assessing the Role of Perceived Paranormal Ability. Front Psychol 2022; 12:798283. [PMID: 35002892 PMCID: PMC8733669 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.798283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether scores on self-report measures of executive functions varied in accordance with level of self-professed paranormal ability. The investigators compared three groups varying in attribution of paranormal facilities: practitioners (Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists and Fortune-Tellers), self-professed ability and no ability. Consistent with recent research on cognitive-perceptual factors allied to delusional formation and thinking style, the researchers anticipated that practitioners would score higher on paranormal belief and self-reported executive function disruption. Correspondingly, the investigators also hypothesised that the self-professed ability group would demonstrate greater belief in the paranormal and higher levels of executive function disruption than the no ability group. A sample of 499 (219 males, 279 females) respondents completed the measures online. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) found a large effect size, alongside significant differences on all variables apart from Cognitive Reappraisal. Pairwise comparisons indicated that Paranormal Belief increased as a function of level of ability; practitioners scored higher than self-professed, who in turn scored higher than the no ability group. For executive functioning, significant differences emerged only for the no ability vs. self-professed ability and no ability vs. practising groups. Collectively, outcomes indicated that perception of ability, regardless of intensity of paranormal conviction, influenced subjective appraisal of executive functions. Failure to find consistent differences between practitioner and self-professed ability groups suggested that discernment of ability was sufficient to heighten awareness of executive functioning disruptions.
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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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