Psychotic-like experiences and their cognitive appraisal under short-term sensory deprivation.

Aims: This study aimed to establish and compare the effects of brief sensory deprivation on individuals differing in trait hallucination proneness.

Method: Eighteen participants selected for high hallucination proneness were compared against 18 participants rating low on this trait. The presence of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), and participants' cognitive appraisals of these, was evaluated in three different settings: at baseline, in a "secluded office" environment, and in light-and-sound sensory deprivation.

Psychotic-like experiences, appraisals, and trauma.

This study examined some of the predictions made by cognitive models of psychosis, specifically the potential contribution of appraisals and trauma to the development of "need for care." Two groups reporting psychotic-like experiences with and without a "need for care" were compared on types of experiences, appraisals of these experiences, distress, and trauma. Both groups reported similar overall levels of psychotic-like experiences, but were characterized by distinct types of experiences.