Multidimensional schizotypy and emotion regulation strategies in daily life

Schizotypy is a multidimensional construct encompassing clinical and subclinical expressions of schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology that is composed of positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions. These dimensions are differentially associated with disruptions in emotional experience; however, few studies have examined the association of multidimensional schizotypy with emotion regulation (ER). The present study employed experience sampling methodology (ESM) to examine the hypothesis that there are differential associations of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy with ER strategies (acceptance, cognitive reappraisal, distraction, avoidance, suppression, and sharing) in daily life. A sample of 708 nonclinically ascertained young adults was signaled eight times daily for 7 days to complete ESM questionnaires about emotional experiences and ER strategy use from February 2024 to May 2025. Consistent with our hypotheses, the schizotypy dimensions displayed differential patterns of associations with emotional experiences and ER strategy use. Disorganized schizotypy was associated with rumination, distraction, and suppression, in addition to lower awareness of emotions and increased distress from emotions. Positive schizotypy was associated with increased use of rumination, cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and suppression, whereas negative schizotypy was associated with decreased awareness of emotions and decreased use of ER strategies, including cognitive reappraisal, distraction, sharing with others, and acceptance. Overall, this study provides evidence for differential patterns of ER difficulties in schizotypy and suggests increased selection of putatively maladaptive strategies (e.g., rumination, suppression) or disengagement of ER strategies across positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions of schizotypy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).