Alexithymia as a Bridge Between Negative Affect and Schizotypy: A Cross-Sectional Network Model

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Schizotypy is a framework for psychosis proneness, mirroring schizophrenia symptoms.
• Alexithymia, characterized by difficulties identifying/describing feelings and external thinking, is linked to schizophrenia.
• The relationship between alexithymia and schizotypy, and the role of negative affect, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations among alexithymia dimensions, negative affect, and schizotypy.
• To explore the network structure of these psychological constructs.
• To investigate potential confounds like negative affect.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study in a non-clinical sample (N=420).
• Network models estimated using Spearman correlations and EBICglasso.
• Examined associations between alexithymia (DIF, DDF, EOT), negative affect, and schizotypy dimensions.

Main Results:

• Difficulties in identifying feelings (DIF) linked positive/disorganized schizotypy to anxiety/stress.
• Negative schizotypy bridged difficulties describing feelings (DDF) and external thinking (EOT) to depression.
• Network structures were psychometrically stable.

Conclusions:

• Difficulties in identifying feelings (DIF) and negative schizotypy are potential mechanisms for improving emotional attunement.
• These traits may enhance resilience against distress associated with unusual self-experiences.
• Findings suggest targets for therapeutic interventions in psychosis proneness.