Impaired conscious memory in non-clinical schizotypy

Impaired controlled and preserved/enhanced automatic memory processes have been reported in schizotypy. This memory pattern has been considered as a marker of vulnerability to schizophrenia. Our aim was to further explore this memory pattern in non-clinical schizotypy in order to determine which specific dimensions of schizotypy (i.e., positive, negative or disorganised), and more specifically which components of the dimensions, are most closely related to memory dysfunctions.

Fifty-seven undergraduate students performed a category-production task. This was adapted for use with the process dissociation procedure in order to dissociate between automatic and controlled memory processes. The level of schizotypy was assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire.

Regression analyses confirmed that controlled memory processes decreased as schizotypy increased. The positive factors (more specifically, the ideas of reference subscale) and disorganised factors (more specifically, the odd or eccentric behaviour subscale) were negatively correlated with the controlled memory processes.

Our study supports the idea that impaired controlled processes are an early cognitive marker of vulnerability to schizophrenia and confirm that the disorganised factor contributes the most to vulnerability to memory dysfunction. It also emphasises the importance of dissociating between each of the features characterising schizotypy rather than considering it as a whole.