Testing the trauma and Social Pathways model of psychosis as a predictor of unusual sensory experiences

BackgroundTrauma and other adverse social experiences have been hypothesised to lead to psychotic-like experiences through disrupted attachment and dissociation. Although well grounded in the literature, the model is still to be fully validated.MethodsThis study tested the predictive validity of the Trauma and Social Pathways model of Psychosis, using a cross-sectional, quantitative online methodology with a self-selecting sample of people reporting multi-modal unusual sensory expereinces (USEs). Participants (n = 149) completed a survey examining trauma exposure, dissociative experiences, attachment, social rank and six separate USEs. The theoretical model was tested using hierarchical linear regression models and Structured Equation Modelling (SEM).ResultsHierarchical regression analyses found that all USEs were predicted by trauma-exposure, anxious attachment, and dissociation. Social comparison and compartmentalisation were not strong components of the model. SEM analysis indicated that, overall, the model was well fitted and described a dual route to auditory hallucinations via disrupted attachment or trauma-exposure, mutually mediated by dissociation.DiscussionThe findings underscore the importance of addressing adverse events, dissociation and attachment in understanding the development of multi-modal USEs and in guiding the formulation and intervention of clinical presentations of psychosis. Additionally, fostering attachment security at a service level could improve engagement with mental health services.