Abstract
Personality traits such as neuroticism are associated with schizophrenia and schizotypy. However, studies thus far have not clarified the differential association of neuroticism with individual schizotypy dimensions and the role it plays in the expression of schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology. 204 nonclinically ascertained participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing neuroticism and the positive and negative schizotypy dimensions, and underwent structured interviews assessing schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology (psychotic-like experiences, negative symptoms, cluster A personality disorders and traits), mood episodes, substance abuse, and global functioning. Results indicated that neuroticism predicted positive symptoms of schizophrenia and depression, over-and-above the effects of both schizotypy dimensions. Also, neuroticism moderated the association of positive schizotypy with interview measures of psychopathology and functioning. The results of this study are consistent with other research indicating that neuroticism is etiologically relevant for schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology and that it cannot be considered solely a ‘secondary effect’ of spectrum disorders. Current psychological models of psychosis can accomodate the finding of neuroticism being a shared vulnerability factor for affective and psychotic disorders.
Highlights
Personality traits such as neuroticism are associated with schizophrenia and schizotypy
Simple slope analyses of the interaction term revealed that positive schizotypy significantly predicted psychotic-like experiences at all levels of neuroticism, but that this relation significantly strengthened as ratings of neuroticism increased
The results of this study showed that, as hypothesized, neuroticism predicted psychotic-like experiences, schizotypal and paranoid personality disorder symptoms, depressive episodes, and poorer adjustment, over-and-above the contribution of both positive and negative schizotypy
Summary
Personality traits such as neuroticism are associated with schizophrenia and schizotypy. It is presumed that the majority of individuals with schizotypy will never decompensate, they may demonstrate mild and/or transient signs of schizophrenic-like or schizotypic adjustment including neurocognitive and biobehavioral deficits, clinical and subclinical symptoms, and social impairment. This formulation suggests that schizotypy is expressed across a dynamic continuum ranging from relative psychological health to full-blown schizophrenia. Consistent with the association between mood and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, personality traits such as neuroticism and negative affect are elevated in schizophrenia (Horan et al, 2008). Neuroticism is a well-established risk factor for the onset of anxiety and affective disorders (Boyce et al, 1991)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
