Virtual reality clinical-experimental tests of compassion treatment techniques to reduce paranoia
Poppy Brown, Felicity Waite, Aitor Rovira, Alecia Nickless, Daniel K. Freeman
Scientific Reports May 24, 2020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64957-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled experimental design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 200 |
| Population | Individuals from the general population scoring highly for paranoia |
| Interventions | Compassionate coach (CC) image Loving kindness meditation (LKM) |
| Key findings | Compassionate imagery interventions reduced paranoia in people with high paranoia scores. Self-compassion increased by 2.12 points and paranoia decreased by 1.73 points relative to controls in the compassionate coach group; compassion for others increased by 3.26 points and paranoia decreased by 1.70 points in the loving kindness meditation group. Changes in compassion explained 57% and 67% of the paranoia reductions, respectively. |
Abstract
Abstract Paranoia may build on negative beliefs held both about the self and others. Compassionate imagery may be one way of reducing such negative beliefs, and hence paranoia. Two studies tested this idea, one targeting compassion for the self and one targeting compassion for others. Two-hundred individuals from the general population scoring highly for paranoia were recruited. The studies used a randomised controlled experimental design, with embedded tests for mediation. Study one targeted self-compassion via creation of a compassionate coach (CC) image. Study two targeted compassion for others via loving kindness meditation (LKM). Individuals repeatedly entered neutral virtual reality social environments. Changes in compassion and paranoia were assessed. Compared to controls, the CC group increased in self-compassion (group difference = 2.12, C.I. = 1.57;2.67, p = <0.0001, d = 1.4) and decreased in paranoia (group difference = −1.73, C.I. = −2.48; −0.98, p = <0.0001, d = 0.8). Change in self-compassion explained 57% of change in paranoia. Compared to controls, the LKM group increased their compassion for others (group difference = 3.26, C.I. = 2.72;3.80, p = <0.0001, d = 1.7), and decreased in paranoia (group difference = −1.70, C.I. = −2.50; −0.89, p = <0.0001, d = 0.8). Change in compassion for others explained 67% of change in paranoia. Targeting negative beliefs about the self and others using compassionate imagery causes reductions in paranoia. Tests in clinical populations are indicated.