Investigating Models of Ideological and Delusional Belief Systems

forthcoming

IN-MIND is a pioneering project that addresses the challenge of distinguishing between delusions and strongly held beliefs, such as religious and political ideologies, which, while not pathological, can still manifest in disruptive ways. This distinction has long posed difficulties for researchers and mental health professionals due to overlapping characteristics among these belief systems. To overcome this, IN-MIND will systematically compare delusions with political and religious beliefs across key dimensions traditionally used to define delusions. The project will integrate advanced methodologies from clinical and social psychology to identify the socio-psychological mechanisms that differentiate these belief systems. A large, representative sample from the UK will be recruited and assessed online, utilising validated psychometric tools and statistical techniques such as network analysis to compare belief structures. IN-MIND will also explore how mechanisms of belief transmissibility, social identity, and belief alignment differentiate delusional beliefs, which tend to be non-shared, from political and religious beliefs, which are widely propagated. Thus, participants with strong or weak ideological systems will be compared with a clinical sample with delusions to determine the transmissibility of each belief system. This research will provide new insights into these belief systems, targeting the mechanisms that distinguish delusions from strongly held beliefs, aiding mental health professionals in diagnosis and laying the foundation for innovative interventions. By investigating how ideologies are highly transmissible, the project will also provide crucial insights for shaping future policies, including those aimed at countering polarisation and extremism. Through a non-academic placement at the European Public Health Alliance, the fellow will gain interdisciplinary training to translate research results into impactful public health policies.