EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THOUGHT-ACTION FUSION (TAF), SCHIZOTYPAL PERSONALITY TRAITS AND PARANORMAL BELIEFS

Abstract

Background: Thought-action fusion (TAF) describes a phenomenon wherein an individual believes that the mere presence of intrusive thoughts can affect real-world events (Rachman, 1993). TAF functions on the mechanisms of heightened threat perception [TAF Likelihood] and personal relevance [TAF Moral]. Schizotypy is an array of personality features and perceptual experiences which incorporates unconventional beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences, odd behaviours, and atypical personality traits (Brosey & Woodward, 2015). TAF has been extensively researched in relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), yet only two known studies have directly explored schizotypy and TAF (Lee, Cougle, & Telch, 2003; Muris & Merkelbach, 2003) to date. TAF has also been linked to magical/paranormal beliefs. Aims: This study aims to explore the relationships between TAF and (i) schizotypal traits; (ii) paranormal beliefs; (iii) moderating effects of schizotypy on the relationship between paranormal beliefs and TAF Moral; and (iv) moderating effects of paranormal beliefs on the relationship between schizotypy and TAF Likelihood-Others. Method: Adults from a Singapore community sample (N = 150) completed an online survey. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ; Raine, 1991), revised Thought-Action Fusion Scale (TAFS; Shafran et al., 1996) and Revised Paranormal Beliefs Scale (PBS-R; Tobacyk, 2004) were used to measure schizotypal traits, TAF and paranormal beliefs, respectively. Results: Schizotypal traits were positively associated with likelihood-other TAF. Paranormal beliefs and Moral TAF were positively associated with likelihood-self TAF and Moral TAF, respectively. There was a significant interaction effect of paranormal beliefs on the relationship between schizotypal traits and moral-attribution TAF. Discussion: This study provides support for links between TAF, schizotypy and paranormal beliefs. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.