To Defend or Not To Defend: A Comparison of Paranoia and Depression

Abstract

Research exploring inferential, especially attributional, thinking supports the theory that paranoia is a defense against low self-esteem. The present study extends this research by examining the place of evaluative beliefs in paranoia and depression. In particular, the study begins to explore the possibility that the defensive function of paranoia is to prevent perceived negative other-self evaluation becoming self-self, as happens in depression, by discrediting others through negative self-other evaluations. A paranoid group (n = 23) a depressive group (n = 22) and a normal control group of (n = 22) are compared on their responses to the Beck Depression Inventory and the Evaluative Beliefs Scale, an 18-item measure of other-self, self-self and self-other negative person evaluations. Results supported and refined this theory. As expected, subjects in both clinical groups perceive significantly more negative other-self evaluation (i.e., threat) than controls, with scores significantly higher for the depressed group. Negative self-self evaluation was highest in the depressives; the paranoid group scores were significantly higher than controls, perhaps implying that the paranoid defense is only partial. Lastly, negative self-other evaluations were significantly higher in the paranoid group; the depressives and controls did not differ.