Trauma and psychosis: the role of cognitive processes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of cognitive processes in the relationship between trauma and psychosis
IRAS ID
140965
Contact name
Emmauelle Peters
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London
Research summary
There is growing evidence that individuals who experience symptoms of psychosis have high rates of traumatic childhood experiences. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which traumatic childhood experiences (such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse) may be related to psychotic symptoms in adulthood. Psychosis symptoms include positive symptoms such as hallucinations (i.e. a seemingly real perception of something not actually present) and delusions (i.e. a belief held with strong conviction, despite evidence to the contrary) and negative symptoms (such as loss of pleasure, loss of motivation and emotional flatness). Research has shown that individuals with trauma and psychosis have a poorer outcome in standard treatment and increased use of services particularly if they also have post-traumatic stress symptoms. It is therefore important to consider the psychological processes that contribute to trauma leading to the development and maintenance of psychosis symptoms. This in turn will support the development of effective treatments, targeting key mechanisms, for these individuals.
This study will investigate two possible post traumatic factors that previous research has indicated may be involved in the link between childhood trauma and adult psychosis symptoms. In particular it will focus on two possible factors. The two factors are, first, avoidance and numbing symptoms of PTSD, and second, dissociation. The hypotheses, methodology and analyses for identifying each of these factors will be referred to as Part A and Part B throughout. It should be noted that these constitute a single study and both parts will contribute to furthering the understanding of the underlying theoretical relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis symptoms. Part A will investigate whether current PTSD symptoms (i.e. avoidance and numbing) explain the relationship between childhood trauma and negative symptoms of psychosis. Part B will investigate whether dissociation, that is, the sense of being disconnected from one’s body and surroundings can explain the relationship between childhood trauma and positive psychosis symptoms.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0336
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion