When a person believes that external events, such as media broadcasts, have a special personal significance, this belief is termed what?

The belief that external events hold a special personal significance for an individual is known as a delusion of reference. This type of delusion involves the interpretation of neutral stimuli as having personal meaning or relevance. For instance, the individual may think that a news broadcast is directly addressing them, or that a song played on the radio is sending them a specific message.

This phenomenon is a characteristic symptom of certain psychotic disorders, where the person's perception of reality is distorted. The significance lies in how such beliefs can impact the individual's behavior and emotional responses, often leading to increased anxiety or confusion about their environment.

Understanding delusions, particularly those of reference, is crucial for mental health professionals in diagnosing and developing treatment plans for individuals experiencing psychosis.