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Schizotypal traits in adolescents: Links to family history of psychosis and psychological distress

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 September 2012

M. Cella ,
M. Serra ,
A. Lai ,
O.J. Mason ,
D. Sisti ,
M.B.L. Rocchi ,
A. Preti  and
D.R. Petretto
M. Cella
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
M. Serra
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Cagliari, 09123Cagliari, Italy
A. Lai
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Cagliari, 09123Cagliari, Italy
O.J. Mason
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1 N 6BT, UK
D. Sisti
Affiliation:
Institute of Biomathematics. Polo Scientifico - Loc. Crocicchia, University of Urbino, 61029Urbino, Italy
M.B.L. Rocchi
Affiliation:
Institute of Biomathematics. Polo Scientifico - Loc. Crocicchia, University of Urbino, 61029Urbino, Italy
A. Preti*
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Cagliari, 09123Cagliari, Italy Centro Medico Genneruxi, via Costantinopoli 42, 09129Cagliari, Italy
D.R. Petretto
Affiliation:
Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Cagliari, 09123Cagliari, Italy
*
⁎Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 70 480922. E-mail address: apreti@tin.it (A. Preti).
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Abstract

Objective

Studies in the general population report that unusual subjective experiences are relatively common. Such experiences have been conceptualized either as extreme personality traits or as vulnerability markers for psychosis, and often grouped under the expression “schizotypal experiences”. This study investigates the heterogeneity of schizotypal traits using factor and latent class analysis.

Methods

One thousand and thirty-two adolescents were recruited for this study. Schizotypal experiences were assessed with the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE); psychological distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (CFA) and Latent Class Analysis (LCA) were performed on the O-LIFE and on the association with the GHQ and demographic variables.

Results

CFA replicated the original 4-factor structure of the O-LIFE. Three latent classes (LC) of schizotypal features were identified: participants in LC1 (26% of the total sample) showed minimal level of item endorsement; LC2 accounted for 52% of the sample and showed overall higher item endorsement compared to LC1, especially for disorganization and positive signs of schizotypy, but not for negative affective items. LC3 (22%) showed an overall higher level of item endorsement across schizotypal dimensions, and positive association with psychological distress and family history of psychosis.

Discussion

Different latent class of schizotypal features can be empirically defined in adolescent community samples. The most extreme class is defined not only by a profile of higher positive replies to the items, but also by anhedonia, high psychological distress, and family history of psychosis. These findings can inform prevention research in schizophrenia.

Keywords

Psychotic-like experiencesSchizotypyPsychosisRisk factorsFamily history of psychosis
Type
Original article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 28 , Issue 4 , May 2013 , pp. 247 - 253
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2012

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