Schizotypy, psychotic-like experiences and distress: an interaction model

Abstract

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have been found to exist on a continuum in both general and clinical populations. Such experiences may characterize normal and abnormal variations in personality, as well as prodromal or high risk states for the development of psychotic disorders. High risk paradigms tend to emphasize distress and impairment associated with PLEs, yet the extent to which individuals find PLEs to be distressing likely depends on moderating factors. In particular, individuals high in trait schizotypy may differ in their appraisal and reaction to PLEs. The current study examines the relationship between schizotypy, PLEs, and distress associated with PLEs in a college sample. Participants (N=355) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief Version (SPQ-B), which assesses schizotypal traits, and the Prodromal Questionnaire - Brief Version (PQ-B), which assesses both PLEs and associated distress. Schizotypy was found to significantly moderate the association between PLEs and subjective distress. Individuals high in trait schizotypy reported more PLEs, yet less distress associated with PLEs, relative to individuals low in trait schizotypy. Implications for high-risk state assessment are discussed.