Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief Revised: psychometric replication and extension

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychometrics
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Schizotypy assessment is crucial for identifying individuals at risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
• Concise self-report instruments like the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief Revised (SPQ-BR) facilitate rapid screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand the psychometric evaluation of the SPQ-BR.
• To assess its factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity using large, diverse samples.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on two independent samples.
• Internal consistency reliabilities were reviewed.
• Construct validity was evaluated by comparing SPQ-BR scores between individuals with and without a family history of schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• A two-tier factor solution for the SPQ-BR was identified.
• The scale demonstrated strong internal reliability.
• Construct validity findings were variable, with the Cognitive-Perceptual Deficits factor showing the most support.

Conclusions:

• The SPQ-BR is a reliable measure for schizotypy screening.
• The Cognitive-Perceptual Deficits factor provides a valid indicator of risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
• Further research is warranted to explore limitations and refine the instrument's application.