An Examination of Sub-Clinical Paranoia in a Correctional Setting

Research suggests environmental factors may lead to higher levels of paranoid ideation due to the possibility of harm and self-consciousness present in these situations. The effect of incarceration on paranoia has received limited investigation. In the present study, 66 incarcerated and 88 control participants completed measures of paranoid ideation and a measure of self-consciousness. Results showed scores on all of the paranoia measures were significantly higher among incarcerated individuals as compared to controls. A variety of demographic and clinical variables were examined as possible predictors of paranoia, and only public self-consciousness emerged as a significant predictor. These findings support the role of social context in elevated levels of paranoia, particularly in settings where perceived risk of victimization may be higher. The results highlight the importance of attending to paranoia among incarcerated persons.