How Stressful Race-Related Experiences Affect Paranoia in Black American Adults
Tests whether stressful race-related experiences raise paranoia in Black American adults.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Racial Disparities in the Expression of Paranoia
Key facts
- Where
- Bloomington, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesBloomington, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Indiana University
- Trial code
- NCT07460453
- Record updated
- 29 April 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Study of Life Challenges, Personality, and Emotional Experiences
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.
Inclusion: 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: 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.