Need for closure, jumping to conclusions, and decisiveness in delusion-prone individuals

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2006 Jun;194(6):422-6. doi: 10.1097/01.nmd.0000221353.44132.25.

Abstract

Need for closure refers to a motivated need for certainty. Jumping-to-conclusions bias refers to the gathering of minimal data when making overconfident probabilistic judgments. Both constructs have been associated independently with delusion-proneness. Fifty-eight nonclinical adults were assessed for jumping-to-conclusions bias using an experimental reasoning task, and need for closure, decisiveness concerning real-life dilemmas, and delusion-proneness using questionnaires. Delusion-proneness was associated independently with need for closure and jumping-to-conclusions bias, with no evidence of a direct relationship between the latter two. These results discount the view that need for closure motivates a jumping-to-conclusions bias, leading, in turn, to delusion-proneness. The various facets of need for closure proved to be independent; while intolerance of ambiguity correlated positively with delusion-proneness, decisiveness correlated negatively. The finding that delusion-prone individuals are more indecisive in everyday life was replicated using different scales. Delusion-proneness is associated independently with jumping-to-conclusions bias on experimental reasoning tasks, intolerance of ambiguity, and indecision concerning real-life dilemmas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cognition*
  • Decision Making
  • Delusions / diagnosis
  • Delusions / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Judgment
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personality / classification*
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Behavior
  • Thinking*