Zimbardo P G, Andersen S M, Kabat L G
Science. 1981 Jun 26;212(4502):1529-31. doi: 10.1126/science.7233242.
The development of paranoid reactions was investigated in normal people experiencing a temporary loss of hearing. In a social setting, subjects made partially deaf by hypnotic suggestion, but kept unaware of the source of their deafness, became more paranoid as indicated on a variety of assessment measures. The results support a hypothesizes cognitive-social mechanism for the clinically observed relationship between paranoia and deafness in the elderly.
