Comparisons of schizotypal traits across 12 countries: Results from the International Consortium for Schizotypy Research
RIS ID
125012
Abstract
2018 Background: Schizotypal traits are expressions of underlying vulnerability to psychotic disorders which have a potential impact on mental health status, neurocognition, quality of life, and daily functioning. To date, little research has examined epidemiologic landscape of schizotypal traits at the cross-national level. Our aim was to study the expression of schizotypal traits by sex, age, and country in a combined sample gathered from 12 countries. Methods: A total of 27,001 participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The mean age of participants was 22.12 (SD = 6.28); 37.5% (n = 10,126) were males. Results: Schizotypal traits varied according to sex, age, and country. Females scored higher than males in the positive dimension, whereas males scored higher in the disorganization dimension. By age, a significant decrease in the positive schizotypal traits was observed. Epidemiological expression of schizotypal traits varied by country. Moreover, several interactions by sex, age, and country were found. Conclusions: This pattern is similar to those found in patients with psychosis and psychotic-like experiences. These findings provide new insights and the opportunity to explore the phenotypic expression of schizotypal traits at cross-national level.
Publication Details
Fonseca-Pedrero, E., Chan, R., Debbane, M., Cicero, D., Zhang, L., Brenner, C., Barkus, E., Linscott, R., Kwapil, T., Barrantes-Vidal, N., Cohen, A., Raine, A., Compton, M., Tone, E., Suhr, J., Muniz, J., Hilderley, A., Fumero, A., Giakoumaki, S., Tsaousis, I., Preti, A., Chmielewski, M., Laloyaux, J., Mechri, A., Lahmar, M., Wuthrich, V., Laroi, F., Badcock, J., Jablensky, A. & Ortuno-Sierra, J. (2018). Comparisons of schizotypal traits across 12 countries: Results from the International Consortium for Schizotypy Research. Schizophrenia Research, 199 128-134.