The factorial structure of schizotypy: Part I. Affinities with syndromes of schizophrenia

Abstract

A replication is reported of a three-factor-active, withdrawn, unreality-structure of schizotypy measured with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) in the normal population, a structure which has close affinities with a three-syndrome model of schizophrenia. Cognitive asymmetry patterns and arousal scales are found in the companion report-Part II in this issue of the Schizophrenia Bulletin. Here the withdrawn factor-loneliness and constricted affect-was also complemented by the physical anhedonia scale. The original sample (1995) was then combined with the replication sample to examine associations with the dimensions of extraversion-introversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism. Introversion loaded on the first withdrawn factor. The second unreality factor-unusual perceptions, magical beliefs, and ideas of reference-was unrelated to the Eysenck dimensions. Psychoticism loaded on the third active factor-eccentricity and odd speech. Neuroticism formed a fourth, nonspecific factor with social anxiety and suspiciousness. Insufficiencies in current measures of the structure of schizotypy and schizophrenia are discussed. These include the absence of activity-arousal from the SPQ, the limited assessment of cognitive disorganization in schizotypy, and its heterogeneity in schizophrenia. The history of the active-withdrawn classification and its importance in further elucidation of schizotypy and schizophrenia are outlined.