An investigation of a novel transdiagnostic model of delusions in a group with positive schizotypal symptoms

Abstract

IntroductionAlthough several theories of delusions have been put forward, most do not offer a comprehensive diagnosis-independent explanation of delusion aetiology. This study used a non-clinical sample to provide empirical support for a novel transdiagnostic model of delusions that implicates aberrant semantic memory and emotion perception processes as key factors in delusion formation and maintenance. It was hypothesised that among a non-clinical sample, people high in schizotypy would demonstrate differences in semantic memory and emotion perception, relative to people low in schizotypy.MethodsUsing the Cognitive Disorganisation subscale of the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, 41 healthy participants were separated into high and low schizotypy groups and completed facial emotion perception and semantic priming tasks.ResultsAs expected, participants in the high schizotypy group demonstrated different performance on the semantic priming task and reduced facial affect accuracy for the emotion anger, and reaction time differences to fearful faces.ConclusionThese findings suggest that such processes may be involved in the development of the sorts of unusual beliefs which underlie delusions. Investigation of how emotion perception and semantic memory may interrelate in the aetiology of delusions would be of value in furthering our understanding of their role in delusion formation.