Adolescent egocentrism and psychosis

Harvey, Aimee Marie (2013). Adolescent egocentrism and psychosis. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Research has noted the onset of psychosis during adolescence and the influence of childhood adversity on the risk for psychosis. Prior social and self-construction difficulties contributory to psychosis and theorised to impinge upon adolescent development have also been highlighted. However, despite these links little empirical research has investigated this. This thesis aims to investigate the contributions of disruptions and exaggerations to adolescent egocentrism suggested by Harrop and Trower (2001).

This thesis investigated the relationship between psychosis and adolescent egocentrism in healthy adolescents, young people at high risk of psychosis and those with a first episode of psychosis. These relationships were tracked across the adolescent period and finally examined in clinical samples. It was found that a rise in psychotic-like experiences in mid-adolescence was linked to a rise in egocentric thinking suggesting that adolescent egocentrism contributes to psychotic-like experiences in healthy adolescents. At the clinical psychosis level, adolescent egocentrism was not contributory; however findings suggested that early emotional trauma and insecure attachment were moderated by adolescent egocentrism difficulties influencing the persistence of psychotic-like experiences into psychosis. These findings support the critical importance of adolescent development and developmental risk factors within the genesis of psychosis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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