Prediction of Paranoid Thoughts Based on Early Maladaptive Schemas - Zahra Taftian / Seyedeh Zahra Seyedmirzaei / Manouchehr Larni

Subject Areas : Health Sciences and Psychology

Zahra Taftian ¹ , Seyedeh Zahra Seyed Mirzaie ² , Manouchehr Larni ³

1 -
2 - Islamic Azad university of Karaj, Karaj, Iran
3 - Islamic Azad University of Karaj, Karaj, Iran

Received: 2025-08-13 Accepted : 2025-08-14 Published : 2025-08-18

Keywords: Paranoia, Paranoid Thoughts, Early Maladaptive Schemas, ,

Abstract :

Paranoid thoughts, as one of the prominent features of psychotic disorders and certain personality disorders, are characterized by intense suspicion, threatening interpretations of others’ behavior, and a negative worldview. These thoughts can significantly disrupt an individual’s psychological, social, and emotional functioning. The present study, using a review method, aims to examine the predictability of paranoid thoughts based on early maladaptive schemas. The findings reviewed in this article indicate that the activation of early maladaptive schemas can lead to distorted cognitive processing, perceptual biases, and the formation of hostile attitudes toward others, ultimately resulting in paranoid thinking. From a clinical perspective, identifying the schemas most strongly associated with paranoid thoughts can greatly contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic interventions, particularly within the framework of schema therapy. Moreover, by addressing the role of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors in the development of paranoid thoughts, this article provides a multidimensional perspective on the phenomenon and emphasizes the importance of examining it within the contextual background of each individual. Overall, the results of previous studies underscore the hypothesis that early maladaptive schemas can serve as meaningful predictors of paranoid thoughts, and modifying these schemas may play an effective role in reducing extreme distrust and enhancing mental health. The statistical population in this study was students of Karaj Azad University and the sample size was 435 students. Sampling was conducted using Green's Paranoid Thoughts Questionnaire and Young's Short Form Schema Questionnaire. The findings using SPSS and SMART PLS software showed that early maladaptive schemas have a significant and positive effect on predicting paranoid thoughts.

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