Phenomenology of Subjective Anomalous Experiences in People with Schizophrenia.
Orlando Mondragón-Benítez, Lina Díaz-Castro, Fernando Corona-Hernández, Héctor Cabello-Rangel
Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry May 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-026-09989-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5 |
| Population | Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia |
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Eawe interview Psychopathology Schizophrenia Subjective phenomena |
| Key findings | The main narrative focused on religious and sexual delusions involving God, the Virgin Mary, or the Holy Spirit, within the context of existential orientation. |
Abstract
Current diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia overlook the patient's subjective experience, offering a simplified view. To describe the subjective anomalies in the personal experience of the "lived world" in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia via the EAWE interview (Examination of Anomalous World Experience). A qualitative study was conducted between January and May 2024. Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, using the thematic axes of the EAWE as a framework. Also, the interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis using ATLAS.ti.v24 software. We interviewed five patients, three men and two women, aged between 18 and 46. The main narrative focused on religious and sexual delusions involving God, the Virgin Mary, or the Holy Spirit, within the context of "Existential Orientation." Sexual experiences were identified as an emerging category in the interview content. In the "Space and Objects" domain, participants reported hallucinations and blurred vision. The "time and events" domain showed a perception of slowness. The "Other Persons" domain included hypoattunement and paranoia. The "Language" domain revealed disorganized thinking. The "Atmosphere" domain covered déjà vu and emotional emptiness. Conclusions: Individuals may experience their place in the world and their intimate relationships in ways that significantly differ from usual.