Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper

2023

Background

Experiencing hallucinations (unshared experiences) has been linked to having less ability to reflect on our own thoughts and behaviours. Metacognition is often described as an individual’s representation of the self, others and the world around them. Therefore, metacognition may have an effect on hallucinations. There may be a link between hallucinations and overconfidence in abilities to complete daily tasks. Studies typically use recollections of hallucination experiences over a period of time. But, how often hallucinations are experienced and their content can vary. 

This Study

Unlike previous research, this study used an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). EMA uses questions about what a person is doing in-the-moment over a period of time. It aims to highlight relationships between thoughts and experiences. 

Participants experiencing daily hallucinations completed baseline questionnaires and smartphone surveys. They were asked to identify a task they would complete and to make ‘metacognitive’ predictions about the task (standard of completion).

Less accurate metacognitive self-reflection was associated with more hallucinations. Less accurate likelihood and standard of completion were associated with fewer hallucinations. Predictions around the likelihood of completion and standard of completion predicted hallucination intensity at the following time point. 

We found that people who are able to reflect sufficiently on how well they will complete future tasks had less frequent hallucinations. This may suggest a relationship between metacognition and hallucinations. Therefore, interventions that aim to improve meta-cognitive reflection in-the-moment could be beneficial. These interventions may help to reduce the intensity and increase the control of hallucinations. 

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