Effect of age and gender on schizotypal personality traits in the normal population

There is some evidence that age and gender influence expression of schizotypal traits in the normal population. One important limitation of previous studies, however, is the restricted age range of subjects. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the effect of gender and age on schizotypal personality features.

A total of 1024 participants aged between 16 and 90 were assessed using the schizotypal personality questionnaire. The effect of gender and age on schizotypal features was investigated. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the scale in different age groups.

Male subjects scored higher than women in negative and disorganized-like symptoms. Female subjects scored significantly in social anxiety and odd belief subscales. Younger participants significantly scored higher in reference, odd belief, unusual perceptual experiences, odd behavior and odd speech subscales. While decreases in schizotypy scores were gradual for most of the scales, increased disorganization in female subjects was restricted to late adolescence. Confirmatory factor analysis of the data supported modified versions of the Raine three-factor model across all age groups.

Psychological changes related to adolescence and better social adaptation as a result of life experience might contribute to the age- and gender-related differences in schizotypy.