Representing schizotypal thinking with dimensional traits: A case for the Five Factor Schizotypal Inventory

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Personality Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The Five-Factor Model (FFM) provides a framework for personality disorders.
• The Five Factor Schizotypal Inventory (FFSI) assesses maladaptive traits related to schizotypal personality disorder.
• Existing research shows mixed results on the link between schizotypal thinking and perception (STAP) and the FFM's Openness to Experience domain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between specific components of the FFSI short-form (FFSI-SF) and other maladaptive trait measures with lower-order components of Openness to Experience.
• To assess nomological network similarities with variables like intelligence, creativity, and positive schizotypy.
• To validate the FFSI-SF's ability to capture schizotypal traits.

Main Methods:

• Investigated FFSI-SF and two other maladaptive trait measures.
• Examined relationships with lower-order components of Openness to Experience.
• Analyzed associations with intelligence, creativity, and positive schizotypy in 403 undergraduates (102 with elevated schizotypal symptoms).

Main Results:

• Strong relations were found across the three measures of STAP-relevant traits, supporting FFSI-SF validity.
• Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) Absorption and Openness to Fantasy scales best captured core variance.
• Specific STAP components (oddity, fantasy proneness) closely matched components of Openness to Experience.

Conclusions:

• The FFSI-SF effectively measures traits relevant to schizotypal personality disorder.
• Schizotypal thinking and perception can be understood through personality dimensions that span normal to pathological levels.
• The findings support a continuous view of personality traits in relation to schizotypy.