Delusions and self-esteem.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the hypothesis that the content of delusions and hallucinations is significantly influenced by subjects' global self-esteem and by 5 specific areas of self-esteem.


METHODS
The delusions and hallucinations of 40 psychotic patients were assessed by 2 independent raters for content indicative of positive or negative self-esteem and for the extent to which the delusional content would be self-enhancing (or diminishing) and comforting (or discomforting) to the subject. These ratings were correlated with the results of self-esteem inventories completed by the subjects.


RESULTS
The content of delusions reflects both global self-esteem and self-regard.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that 2 specific personality factors, global self-esteem and self-regard, are reflected in the content of delusions and influence whether those delusions are experienced as comfortable (or uncomfortable) and enhancing (or diminishing). Delusional content is therefore consistent with patients' views of themselves, and this may partially account for the persistence of delusions.
Bowins
B
B
General Psychiatry Division, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario.
Shugar
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003702:Delusions / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept