The project introduces a novel comparative approach, directly studying delusions alongside strongly held belief systems such as the religious and political ideologies held by ordinary people.
The IN-MIND project, led by Professor Richard Bentall and Dr Almudena Trucharte, will explore how delusions differ from these other types of powerful convictions, aiming to fill a critical gap in our understanding. The research breaks new ground by moving beyond the traditional comparison of delusions with mundane, everyday beliefs.
A key focus of the project is the concept of belief transmissibility. Researchers will examine why delusions tend to be unique to an individual, whereas ideologies can spread widely within populations. This investigation will therefore explore the factors that allow certain beliefs to be shared and adopted.
Professor Bentall said, “Delusions can be difficult to treat in the psychiatric clinic. In recent years, extreme beliefs, conspiracy theories and political polarization have increasingly undermined social cohesion across the developed world. Understanding how belief systems work, and why some beliefs are pathological, will have implications both for the care of psychiatric patients and also for wider society.
By providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying belief formation, the research could contribute to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with severe mental illness. Furthermore, the project may offer valuable insights into the dynamics of societal challenges such as political extremism and polarisation.