Phenomenological characteristics and explanations of unusual perceptual experiences, thoughts and beliefs in a population sample of early adolescents

摘要: Objectives Often referred to as psychotic experiences, unusual perceptual thoughts and beliefs (UPTBs) are not uncommon in youth populations. Phenomenological studies of these experiences lacking. This study aimed (1) describe the phenomenological characteristics UPTBs a sample young adolescents (2) explore how people made sense those experiences. Methods Participants were 53 aged 11-13 years from population-based mental health. All met criteria for following clinical interviews part study. Documentary data on form transcribed notes, recorded during interviews, analysed using content analysis. Data coded, organised into categorical themes quantified descriptive statistics. Qualitative participants their identified. Results reported across four domains: auditory verbal, non-verbal, non-auditory beliefs. phenomenologically rich diverse. Young sought make multiple ways: normalising them, externalising them by attributing paranormal entities distancing psychiatric explanations. Uncertainty about source was identified superordinate theme. Conclusion Findings this offer new insights qualities adolescents. They also reveal that early may within framework. These findings highlight need develop more sensitive nuanced approach studying people.