Young people’s experience of bullying and paranoia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the association between childhood peer bullying and paranoid thinking in both clinical and non-clinical adolescent samples.
IRAS ID
230651
Contact name
Calum S Rankin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GG&C Clinical Research & Development
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 27 days
Research summary
Paranoid thinking (PT) encompasses beliefs regarding perceived threat or harm towards the self by others. Literature indicates that PT ranges in severity and is reported by young people and adults in mental health services, and in the general population. Studies have identified that PT is associated with increased levels of negative beliefs about paranoia, social anxiety, shame, and emotion dysregulation.
Evidence suggests that childhood peer bullying (CPB), defined as a negative action involving intention, repetition, and power, may be associated with symptoms of psychosis, but this is limited.This study is interested in exploring the extent to which CPB is associated with PT and controlling possible effects of negative beliefs about paranoia, social anxiety, shame and emotion regulation. This is hoped to inform clinical and research practice.
Participants will be aged 16-18, who have capacity to consent, and will consist of two different groups: A clinical sample of individuals who are engaged in psychiatric treatment within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (NHS GG&C CAMHS), and a non-clinical sample of individuals from the general population. They will each be invited to take part in the research project and asked to complete informed consent. Each eligible participant will be asked to complete a set of questionnaires, which measure CPB, PT, negative beliefs about paranoia, social anxiety, shame and emotion dysregulation. The clinical sample will complete in the clinic setting, and the non-clinical sample will be able to complete their questionnaires using a online tool (created on the password encrypted Survey monkey account, licenced for use by the University of Glasgow Department of Clinical Psychology). Data will be anonymised and secured on a password encrypted University of Glasgow server. The finalised research study is planned to be submitted to the University of Glasgow Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Research Team.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
17/WS/0220
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion