Elucidating the Interplay of Cognitive Theories and Novel Psychological Strategies in Mitigating Delusional Beliefs Hallucinatory Experiences and Emotional Distress

This theoretical research paper investigates the intricate relationship between cognitive theories and innovative psychological interventions employed to mitigate delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders. Delusions and hallucinations frequently disrupt the lives of those affected, resulting in significant distress and functional impairment. By examining the cognitive underpinnings of these phenomena, this study aims to uncover fresh insights into their development and maintenance. Additionally, emerging therapeutic approaches, such as metacognitive training and mindfulness-based interventions, are explored as strategies targeting cognitive processes implicated in psychosis. The synthesis of theoretical frameworks and empirical findings within this paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the potential synergy between cognitive theories and novel interventions, paving the way for more effective and holistic treatment strategies for individuals encountering challenges related to psychosis.


Introduction
The interplay between cognitive theories and novel psychological strategies in the mitigation of delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress represents a multifaceted and dynamic field within the realm of clinical psychology and psychiatry.Psychosis spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, are characterized by profound disturbances in thinking, perception, and emotional regulation, often resulting in the emergence of delusions and hallucinations, as well as pervasive emotional distress (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).Over the years, cognitive theories have significantly shaped our understanding of these phenomena.Cognitive models, such as the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp), have emphasized the role of maladaptive cognitive processes in the development and maintenance of delusional beliefs and hallucinatory experiences (Garety et al., 2001).These theories suggest that individuals with psychosis engage in cognitive biases, such as jumping to conclusions and attributional biases, which contribute to the formation and persistence of these symptoms.
In recent years, the field has witnessed a burgeoning interest in the development and application of novel psychological strategies aimed at ameliorating the debilitating impact of psychosis.These strategies encompass a diverse array of approaches, including metacognitive interventions, mindfulness-based therapies, and avatar therapy, among others (Freeman et al., 2016;Moritz et al., 2014;Gotsis et al., 2019).They represent innovative attempts to target not only the core psychotic symptoms but also the associated emotional distress that often accompanies them.For example, metacognitive interventions focus on enhancing individuals' awareness of their thought processes and challenging cognitive biases, potentially leading to reductions in delusional beliefs (Moritz et al., 2014).Mindfulness-based therapies, on the other hand, aim to improve emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which are crucial for individuals grappling with the emotional turmoil associated with psychosis (Gotsis et al., 2019).
This burgeoning landscape of novel psychological strategies raises critical questions regarding their effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and integration with existing cognitive models.It also underscores the need for further empirical research to elucidate the nuanced interplay between cognitive theories and these innovative interventions.Understanding how these strategies can complement, extend, or even challenge cognitive models of psychosis is essential for advancing our knowledge and refining treatment approaches in this complex and challenging clinical domain.As such, this research seeks to explore and synthesize current research findings and theoretical perspectives that shed light on the interplay between cognitive theories and novel psychological strategies in mitigating delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress among individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders.

Delusional Beliefs
The term "delude" has its origins in Latin, signifying actions of mockery, deception, or fraud.A delusion, therefore, is a steadfast conviction in something untrue.Importantly, this belief stands apart from the individual's culture or subculture, with nearly everyone else recognizing its falseness.Delusions come in various forms, some inducing feelings of persecution or causing undue stress regarding imagined illnesses or conditions that do not exist in reality.Individuals with delusions of grandeur may perceive themselves as being in positions of power, widely popular, or even world-renowned.Delusions can also encompass sensations of envy towards others or peculiar body image perceptions, such as the mistaken belief in physical deformities.Those experiencing delusions are wholly convinced of their validity.
Delusions serve as a hallmark symptom of psychosis spectrum disorders, characterized by the presence of unyielding and false convictions that persist despite contrary evidence (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).These convictions span a broad spectrum, encompassing persecutory delusions (the belief in being targeted or harmed), grandiose delusions (an inflated sense of self-importance), referential delusions (interpreting ordinary events as personally significant), and more (Freeman, 2007).These delusional beliefs lack cultural endorsement and are generally considered irrational by others.Their presence can significantly disrupt an individual's ability to navigate daily life and may lead to social isolation.

Hallucinatory Experiences
In the field of psychiatry, hallucinations represent a prevalent symptom, yet they pose one of the most intricate challenges in psychopathology due to their complexity in identification and differentiation from other phenomena.The term "hallucination" finds its etymological roots in the Latin word "alucinatus," signifying a "journey in the mind," as defined in Webster's International Dictionary.As described by Slade and Bentall (1988), a hallucination can be defined as any experience resembling a perception that meets three key criteria: Firstly, it occurs in the absence of an appropriate external stimulus.Secondly, it possesses the same potency and impact as a genuine perception.Lastly, it lacks a particular susceptibility to voluntary control or manipulation by the individual experiencing it.
Among the various types of hallucinations, auditory hallucinations are the most commonly reported by individuals with schizophrenia, closely followed by visual hallucinations.Hallucinatory experiences involve the perception of sensory information (e.g., auditory, visual, tactile) in the absence of any external input (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).Particularly noteworthy are auditory hallucinations, where individuals hear voices or sounds, which rank among the most prevalent types observed in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders (van Os et al., 2009).These experiences can induce significant distress and can manifest in diverse forms, such as voices providing commentary on the person's actions or thoughts.Hallucinatory experiences are typically categorized as positive symptoms of psychosis and are strongly associated with marked emotional distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Emotional Distress
Emotional distress within the context of psychosis spectrum disorders represents a multifaceted and critical aspect of these severe mental illnesses.Individuals diagnosed with disorders on the psychosis spectrum, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, often grapple with a complex interplay of cognitive deficits, delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, which can significantly impact their emotional well-being (Tandon et al., 2013).The distress experienced by these individuals extends beyond the core psychotic symptoms and is influenced by a range of factors.For instance, negative symptoms, characterized by emotional blunting and social withdrawal, can lead to profound feelings of loneliness, sadness, and hopelessness (Foussias et al., 2011).Additionally, the stigma associated with psychosis spectrum disorders can exacerbate emotional distress, as individuals may internalize societal misconceptions and experience shame or low self-esteem (Brohan et al., 2010).
Furthermore, the enduring nature of these disorders often results in chronic emotional distress, as individuals contend with the long-term impact on their personal and social lives, including impaired occupational functioning and strained interpersonal relationships (Mueser et al., 1998).Co-occurring anxiety and depressive symptoms are also prevalent among individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders, further intensifying emotional distress (Addington & Addington, 1998).Effective management of emotional distress in this population is critical not only to alleviate suffering but also to improve overall functional outcomes.This necessitates a comprehensive treatment approach that combines antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions aimed at addressing both the core psychotic symptoms and the emotional and social ramifications of the illness (Kreyenbuhl et al., 2009).

Cognitive Theories in Understanding Psychosis
Over the years, cognitive theories have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the cognitive underpinnings of psychosis (Beck et al., 2004).These theories propose that aberrant cognitive processes, such as biased information processing, dysfunctional metacognition, and deficits in cognitive control, contribute to the development and persistence of delusional beliefs and hallucinatory experiences (Garety et al., 2001;Freeman, 2007;Moritz et al., 2019).

Biased Information Processing
One key aspect of cognitive theories is the concept of biased information processing.Individuals experiencing psychosis often exhibit cognitive biases that lead them to misinterpret neutral or ambiguous information as threatening or confirming their delusional beliefs (Garety et al., 2001).For example, imagine a person with paranoid tendencies who believes they are being followed by secret agents.While walking down the street, they notice someone glancing in their direction.Due to their attentional bias towards potential threats, they interpret this glance as evidence that they are indeed being pursued, even though the person's gaze may have had nothing to do with them.This attentional bias can further fuel their delusional thinking and exacerbate their symptoms.

Dysfunctional Metacognition
Another crucial element highlighted by cognitive theories is dysfunctional metacognition, which refers to an individual's ability to think about and evaluate their thoughts and beliefs (Beck et al., 2004).In the context of psychosis, individuals may have maladaptive metacognitive beliefs that make them less likely to question or challenge their delusional thoughts.For instance, someone experiencing auditory hallucinations might hear voices telling them they are worthless.Instead of critically evaluating these voices, they may accept them as true due to a lack of metacognitive awareness.This contributes to the persistence of psychotic symptoms, as they do not engage in cognitive processes that would help them recognize the irrationality of their beliefs.

Deficits in Cognitive Control
Additionally, deficits in cognitive control are often observed in individuals with psychosis (Moritz et al., 2019).Cognitive control involves processes like inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.Imagine an individual with schizophrenia who has difficulty with cognitive control.They might struggle to inhibit irrelevant information, leading to a heightened sensitivity to external stimuli.This heightened sensitivity can manifest as distractibility and may exacerbate their difficulty in focusing on everyday tasks or maintaining coherent thoughts, further impairing their cognitive functioning and contributing to their psychotic symptoms.

Cognitive Theories in Understanding Emotional Distress
Psychosis, characterized by delusional beliefs and hallucinatory experiences, often leads to profound emotional distress (Freeman, 2007).While biological and neurological factors have been traditionally emphasized in the study of psychosis, cognitive theories offer valuable insights into the emotional aspects of this condition.Despite these insights, individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders continue to grapple with substantial emotional distress and impaired functioning.Traditional treatment approaches, including antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy, have been valuable in managing symptoms, but they do not always address the full spectrum of cognitive and emotional challenges associated with these disorders (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014).This paper reviews key cognitive theories, including the Cognitive Dysmetria Model, the Metacognitive Model, and the Cognitive Bias Model, and examines their implications for understanding emotional distress.• Email: editor@ijfmr.com

Cognitive Dysmetria Model
The Cognitive Dysmetria Model, proposed by Andreasen (1999), suggests that emotional distress in psychosis arises from a breakdown in the coordination of cognitive processes, particularly within the prefrontal cortex.In this model, disorganized thinking is central, contributing to emotional distress.Consider an individual with schizophrenia who experiences disorganized thinking, leading to thought disorder.They may struggle to organize their thoughts coherently, which can be distressing as they find it challenging to communicate their ideas effectively.This distress arises from the disconnect between their thoughts and their ability to express them clearly.

Metacognitive Model
The Metacognitive Model, introduced by Beck and colleagues (2004), focuses on the role of metacognition in emotional distress related to psychosis.Dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, such as an inability to critically evaluate delusional thoughts, contribute to emotional distress.A person with schizophrenia who believes they have supernatural powers may experience significant emotional distress because they cannot critically evaluate these delusional thoughts.Their inability to recognize the irrationality of their beliefs intensifies their emotional turmoil as they may fear acting on these delusions or worry about the consequences.

Cognitive Bias Model
The Cognitive Bias Model, as proposed by Garety and Freeman (1999), underscores how cognitive biases influence emotional distress in psychosis, particularly biases like attentional biases toward threat-related information.Imagine an individual with paranoid delusions who consistently perceives neutral actions by others as threatening.For instance, if someone innocently glances in their direction, the person with paranoia may interpret this as a hostile act.This attentional bias towards potential threats intensifies their emotional distress, leading to increased anxiety and fear.

Memory Biases
Cognitive theories also highlight memory biases in individuals with psychosis.Memory biases involve difficulty in recalling information accurately, often leading to the selective remembering of events or information that confirm their delusional beliefs while neglecting contradictory evidence (Bentall et al., 2001).This selective memory bias can contribute to heightened emotional distress by reinforcing delusional thinking and reducing the consideration of alternative perspectives (Garety et al., 2001).For instance, imagine a person with schizophrenia who holds a delusional belief that they have a special connection to a celebrity.Over time, they selectively remember instances where they believe they received a secret message from the celebrity while ignoring any evidence to the contrary.This memory bias reinforces their delusional belief and intensifies their emotional distress as they become more entrenched in their false beliefs.

Attributional Biases
In addition to memory biases, individuals with psychosis may exhibit attributional biases.Attributional biases involve the tendency to attribute negative events or feedback to internal, stable, and global factors, which can lead to increased emotional distress (Bentall et al., 2001).For instance, someone with schizophrenia might attribute a minor mistake at work to their own incompetence (internal), believe they will always make such mistakes (stable), and think it will affect every aspect of their life (global), resulting in heightened distress (Garety et al., 2001).Consider an individual with schizophrenia who receives constructive feedback on their work performance.Instead of interpreting this feedback as an opportunity for improvement, they may attribute it to their own incompetence (internal), believe that they will always perform poorly (stable), and fear that their career and personal life will suffer as a result (global).This attributional bias intensifies their emotional distress and may lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Implications of the Cognitive Theories
The  , 2004).This patient-centered approach ensures that treatment plans are adapted to meet the specific cognitive needs of each person, enhancing the effectiveness of interventions (Freeman, 2007).
In the realm of research, cognitive theories provide a framework for investigating the underlying mechanisms of emotional distress in psychosis.Researchers can explore the relationships between cognitive processes, neural correlates, and symptomatology, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches (Corlett et al., 2010).In conclusion, cognitive theories in understanding psychosis offer valuable insights into the cognitive underpinnings of emotional distress.These insights have farreaching implications, from personalized clinical interventions to reducing stigma, and can significantly enhance our understanding and management of psychosis.
Table 1: This table provides a concise overview of each cognitive model, its core concept, key components, and an illustrative example for better understanding.

Novel Psychological Strategies
The treatment of psychosis spectrum disorders is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, involving a combination of pharmacological interventions and psychological therapies.In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring novel psychological strategies to complement existing treatments and address the unique challenges posed by these conditions.This paper embarks on a critical exploration of the interplay between cognitive theories and novel psychological strategies aimed at mitigating delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders.

Cognitive Theories and Psychosis
Cognitive theories have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of psychosis spectrum disorders.One prominent theory, the Cognitive Model of Psychosis (Garety et al., 2001), posits that individuals with these disorders exhibit cognitive biases in information processing that contribute to the formation and maintenance of delusional beliefs and hallucinations.For example, confirmation bias, a common cognitive bias, can lead individuals to selectively attend to information that supports their delusions while ignoring contradictory evidence.-Inability to critically evaluate delusional thoughts.
-Intensified emotional turmoil due to accepting irrational beliefs.
A person with schizophrenia believes they have supernatural powers and cannot critically evaluate these delusions, intensifying their emotional distress as they fear acting on these beliefs.

Cognitive Bias Model
Influence of cognitive biases, such as attentional biases, on emotional distress.
-Heightened emotional distress due to misinterpreting neutral actions as threatening.
An individual with paranoid delusions perceives neutral actions by others as hostile.For example, they interpret an innocent glance as a hostile act, intensifying their emotional distress with increased anxiety and fear.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT, a third-wave cognitive-behavioural therapy, focuses on promoting psychological flexibility by encouraging individuals to accept their inner experiences, including distressing thoughts and emotions, while committing to values-based actions.In the context of psychosis spectrum disorders, this approach can help individuals navigate their symptoms more effectively.For example, someone struggling with delusional beliefs might learn to acknowledge these beliefs without judgment while still pursuing meaningful life goals.ACT has shown promise in addressing the psychological inflexibility often observed in psychosis spectrum disorders (Gaudiano & Herbert, 2006).For instance, a person diagnosed with schizophrenia who undergoes ACT may find the motivation to engage in social activities despite paranoid thoughts that previously inhibited their interactions.

Metacognitive Training
Metacognitive training interventions target the cognitive biases that contribute to delusional beliefs.These programs aim to enhance individuals' metacognitive awareness, enabling them to recognize when they are experiencing cognitive distortions and to develop strategies for challenging these distortions.For instance, individuals can learn to critically evaluate the evidence supporting their delusional beliefs.Preliminary research suggests that metacognitive training may be effective in reducing the severity of delusions in individuals with psychosis (Moritz et al., 2011).For example, a study by Moritz et al. (2014) found that individuals who underwent metacognitive training demonstrated decreased belief conviction and increased doubt about their delusions.

Avatar Therapy
Avatar therapy represents an innovative approach that draws on cognitive theories and technology to address hallucinatory experiences.In avatar therapy, individuals with auditory hallucinations engage in conversations with computer-generated avatars that simulate the voices they hear.The therapist controls the avatar's responses, gradually guiding the individual toward a more constructive dialogue.By externalizing and personifying their hallucinations, individuals can gain a sense of control and reduce emotional distress associated with these experiences (Craig et al., 2018).For instance, a person hearing distressing voices might engage in a conversation with an avatar that gradually challenges the content and emotional impact of those voices.Research suggests that avatar therapy can lead to significant reductions in the severity of auditory hallucinations and emotional distress (Craig et al., 2018).
Table 2: This concise table provides an overview of each approach, its core concept, key components, and a brief example illustrating its application in addressing psychosis spectrum disorders.Individuals with psychosis selectively attend to information supporting delusions due to confirmation bias.CBTp modifies these biases.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Non-judgmental awareness reduces emotional distress.
-Observing thoughts without fear or distress.
-Improving emotional regulation through mindfulness training.
Someone with auditory hallucinations observes them without fear, reducing emotional distress.
Mindfulness training helps.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Accepting inner experiences promotes flexibility.
-Accepting distressing thoughts without judgment.
-Pursuing life goals despite symptoms.
Someone with delusional beliefs accepts them without judgment and pursues life goals, addressing psychological inflexibility.

Metacognitive Training
Enhancing metacognition challenges cognitive distortions.
-Critically evaluating evidence for delusional beliefs.
-Reducing delusion severity through training.
Individuals critically evaluate evidence for their delusions, leading to reduced conviction and increased doubt.

Avatar Therapy
Externalizing and personifying hallucinations reduces distress.
-Conversations with computer-generated avatars simulating voices.-Gradual guidance toward constructive dialogue.
A person hearing distressing voices engages in a conversation with an avatar that challenges the content and emotional impact of those • Email: editor@ijfmr.comIJFMR23056385 Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2023 10

A Holistic Approach to Treatment
The diverse range of novel psychological strategies discussed in this paper underscores the potential for a holistic approach to the treatment of psychosis spectrum disorders.This approach recognizes that the complex interplay of cognitive processes, delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress demands a multifaceted treatment strategy that encompasses both pharmacological interventions and tailored psychotherapies.

Integrating Pharmacological and Psychological Approaches
Pharmacological interventions, such as antipsychotic medications, remain a cornerstone in the management of psychosis spectrum disorders, as they target the core psychotic symptoms (Leucht et al., 2013).However, these medications may not comprehensively address the cognitive and emotional aspects of the illness.Therefore, integrating psychological strategies rooted in cognitive theories can enhance the effectiveness of treatment by targeting cognitive biases, metacognitive beliefs, and emotional distress (Peters et al., 2010).Combining antipsychotic medications with therapies like cognitive-behavioural interventions, mindfulness-based therapies, and metacognitive training allows for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment.For instance, an individual with schizophrenia can benefit from both antipsychotic medication to manage hallucinations and cognitive-behavioural therapy to address cognitive biases and emotional distress.

Personalized Treatment Plans
A holistic approach to treatment also emphasizes the importance of personalized care.Each individual with a psychosis spectrum disorder presents a unique combination of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, symptom profiles, and emotional challenges.Therefore, treatment plans should be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual (Moritz et al., 2019).By conducting comprehensive cognitive assessments, clinicians can identify the cognitive processes that contribute most significantly to an individual's distress and target those processes in therapy.This patient-centred approach ensures that treatment is not one-size-fits-all but rather tailored to address the individual's cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities.

Early Intervention and Prevention
Early intervention is another critical aspect of a holistic approach to treatment.Recognizing the early signs of psychosis and cognitive vulnerabilities can lead to timely interventions that prevent symptom escalation and long-term disability (Garety et al., 2001).By integrating cognitive assessments into routine clinical practice, clinicians can identify individuals at risk of developing emotional distress and psychosis and initiate interventions before symptoms become severe (Peters et al., 2010).Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes and reduce the overall burden of the disorder.

Reducing Stigma
Finally, a holistic approach to treatment extends beyond clinical interventions to reduce the stigma surrounding psychosis spectrum disorders.Recognizing that cognitive processes play a central role in voices, reducing emotional distress.
emotional distress helps dispel misconceptions that these disorders are solely due to personal weakness or character flaws (Corrigan et al., 2012).This awareness can lead to more empathetic and supportive attitudes in society, ultimately benefiting individuals with psychosis by reducing the social isolation and discrimination they often face.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this research paper has explored the intricate relationship between cognitive theories and novel psychological strategies in the treatment of delusional beliefs, hallucinatory experiences, and emotional distress in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders.The cognitive theories discussed in this paper have provided valuable insights into the cognitive processes that underlie these symptoms, offering a foundation for the development of targeted interventions.Additionally, novel psychological strategies, such as mindfulness-based therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, metacognitive training, and avatar therapy, have shown promise in mitigating both core psychotic symptoms and emotional distress.
As we stand at the threshold of the future, the interplay between cognitive theories and pioneering psychological interventions promises to be a catalyst for lasting change.Through relentless dedication to research, the principles of patient-centered care, and the relentless pursuit of a society free from stigma, we hold the power to unlock ever more effective, compassionate, and holistic treatment strategies.These strategies, in turn, empower individuals to embark on a journey of healing and growth, where the horizon is illuminated by the promise of hope and recovery.

Acknowledgments
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents for their unwavering support throughout my research journey.Their belief in my abilities has been the cornerstone of my academic pursuits.I am also deeply thankful to Professor Dr. Mohammad Talib, Vice Rector and Professor of Computer Science/IT at CIS, Silk Route, USSR, for his invaluable guidance and mentorship in shaping this research.To my parents and Professor Dr. Mohammad Talib, your contributions have been immeasurable, and I am honored to have had your support on this endeavor.
interventions for psychosis (CBTp), which aim to modify these cognitive biases and alleviate symptoms (Peters et al., 2010).5.2.Mindfulness-Based Interventions Mindfulness-based interventions, rooted in Eastern contemplative practices, offer a unique approach to addressing distress in psychosis spectrum disorders.By cultivating non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and experiences, individuals can gain greater insight into the nature of their symptoms.For instance, a person experiencing auditory hallucinations might learn to observe these hallucinations without reacting to them with fear or distress.Research suggests that mindfulness-based interventions can lead to reductions in emotional distress and improvements in emotional regulation among individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders (Khoury et al., 2013).For example, a study by Chadwick et al. (2009) demonstrated that individuals who received mindfulness training reported decreased anxiety and enhanced coping strategies when faced with hallucinatory experiences.
cognitive theories of psychosis, encompassing biased information processing, dysfunctional metacognition, and deficits in cognitive control, hold significant implications for both research and clinical practice.These theories shed light on the cognitive processes that contribute to the development and persistence of delusional beliefs and hallucinatory experiences in individuals with psychosis(Beck et al.,  2004).
(Garety et al., 2001)tion is the potential for targeted interventions in clinical practice.By understanding how cognitive processes influence emotional distress in psychosis, clinicians can tailor treatment strategies to address these cognitive factors(Freeman, 2007).Cognitive-behavioral interventions can be designed to target specific cognitive biases, metacognitive beliefs, or cognitive control deficits identified in individual patients(Moritz et al., 2019).Furthermore, cognitive theories offer insights into early detection and prevention strategies.Identifying individuals at risk of developing severe emotional distress based on their cognitive profiles allows for early intervention to prevent symptom escalation(Garety et al., 2001).Early detection and intervention can lead to improved long-term outcomes for individuals with psychosis.Reducing stigma surrounding mental illness is another important implication of cognitive theories.Recognizing that emotional distress in psychosis arises from cognitive processes rather than personal weakness or character flaws can lead to more empathetic and supportive attitudes in society (Corrigan et al., 2012).Additionally, the incorporation of cognitive assessments in clinical practice can provide a holistic understanding of an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses (Beck et al.
Cognitive theories have guided the development of cognitive-behavioural