Self-exploration accounts for delusional-like experiences in non-clinical adults

Abstract

background Previous research on non-clinical samples found that younger age may predispose to delusional-like experiences (DLEs). We propose to seek its explanation within the process of identity formation and personality factors (i.e., fantasy proneness and need for cognitive closure). participants and procedure The study involved 201 individuals (131 women) ranging in age from 18 to 99 years (M = 29, SD = 13). The participants were recruited through social media sites in which we distributed a link to the online survey. results The results confirmed that DLEs were predicted in individuals with a younger age, identity exploration, fantasy proneness and decreased need for closure. Additionally, we found that identity exploration mediated the link between younger age and DLEs. conclusions This preliminary study supports the view that DLEs may accompany the "continuously emergent" self represents the status of the matured identity of our time. Further investigations are needed to replicate our findings.