A laboratory study of affectivity in schizotypy: Subjective and lexical analysis

Abstract

Affective dysfunction is a defining schizotypy feature; yet the majority of studies examining affective dysfunction have largely relied on self-report of trait affect, which reflects only one dimension of emotional experience. Emerging research has explored a second dimension, state affect, using laboratory manipulation, with most finding that schizotypal participants report experiencing less positive/more negative affect than controls. This study expands upon this topic by examining patterns of state affect in psychometrically identified schizotypy through self-report and lexical expression in reaction to emotionally valenced photos. Overall, the schizotypy group reported less positive/more negative affect across affect induction conditions. Both schizotypy and control groups' affect ratings were similar following the unpleasant stimuli; but the schizotypy group's ratings remained significantly less positive/more negative than the control group following the pleasant stimuli. This pattern suggests that the schizotypy group experienced a deficit in emotional reactivity compared to controls in pleasant situations. The schizotypy group also used a higher percentage of negative words and a lower percentage of positive words in vocalized reactions during the pleasant, but not unpleasant, affect induction condition. These results reveal a specific pattern of “in-the-moment” affective dysfunction unique to pleasant situations that is consistent across both subjective experience and lexical expression.