Fantasy Proneness and Imaginary Companions as Predictors of Psychosis-Like Experiences

Gibbard, Emma and Perez Algorta, Guillermo and Sellwood, Bill (2026) Fantasy Proneness and Imaginary Companions as Predictors of Psychosis-Like Experiences. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

Overview: This thesis investigated the relationship between fantasy proneness and psychosis-like experiences. The systematic literature review focused on the specific manifestation of fantasy proneness of having an imaginary companion and its association with psychosis-like experiences while the empirical research paper investigated the relationship between psychosis-like experiences and fantasy proneness more generally. Chapter 1, Systematic Literature Review: A systematic literature review was performed to identify and review quantitative studies reporting on the relationship between having an imaginary companion and psychosis-like experiences. Ten papers were eligible for inclusion in the review. Evidence of a relationship between having an imaginary companion and some form of psychosis-like experience was found in all studies, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. Chapter 2, Empirical Research Paper: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out which investigated the relationship between fantasy proneness and psychosis-like experiences in a non-clinical student sample of 200 participants. Fantasy proneness correlated positively with psychosis-like experiences with a moderate effect size. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that fantasy proneness was a statistically significant predictor of psychosis-like experiences after relevant demographic variables and known predictors of dissociation and self-concept clarity were controlled for. However, the effect size of this relationship was small after accounting for the effects of demographic factors, dissociation and self-concept clarity. Dissociation was the strongest predictor of psychosis-like experiences. Chapter 3, Critical Appraisal: Conclusions from the systematic literature review and empirical research paper are provided along with a further discussion of strengths and weaknesses of both papers. Reflections on key decisions and challenges in the process of both research papers are provided, along with suggestions for future research directions. Chapter 4, Ethics Application: The university ethics application is provided along with supporting documents.