Home › Psychotic Disorders › NCT07460453
Racial Disparities in the Expression of Paranoia
Study of Life Challenges, Personality, and Emotional Experiences
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria * 18 years of age or older * Self-identify as non-Hispanic Black or African American * Currently reside in the United States * Speak and read English * Registered as a survey participant on the Prolific platform Exclusion Criteria * Younger than 18 years of age * Do not self-identify as non-Hispanic Black or African American * Do not currently reside in the United States * Do not speak or read English * Not registered as a survey participant on the Prolific platform
About the study
Paranoia is a pattern of thinking in which people feel suspicious or believe others may want to harm them. It can occur in many people, not only those with a mental health diagnosis, and it can affect daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Research has consistently shown that Black Americans report higher levels of paranoia than White Americans, even when they do not have a clinical diagnosis. However, the reasons for this difference are not well understood.
The goal of this study is to better understand why these differences exist. In the experimental part of the study, researchers will use a randomized design to test whether exposure to stressful experiences related to race leads to higher levels of paranoia among Black American participants. The study will also examine factors that may strengthen or weaken this effect, such as individual experiences and personal characteristics.
By identifying how stressful experiences related to race influence paranoia, this research aims to improve how paranoia is measured and understood across different groups. These findings may help researchers and clinicians use more accurate and culturally appropriate tools to assess psychosis-related experiences in diverse populations.
What is being tested
- Guided Visual Imagery Task (behavioral)
Sponsor: Indiana University · Participants: 480 · Started: Apr 13, 2026
Contact the study team
- J Wolny · Phone: 812-855-2620
- William Hetrick · Phone: 812-855-2620
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07460453
Locations in the U.S.
| Indiana | Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Bloomington |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.