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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Nov 21;9(11):e113853.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113853. eCollection 2014.

Latent factor modeling of four schizotypy dimensions with theory of mind and empathy

Jeffrey S Bedwell  1 , Michael T Compton  2 , Florian G Jentsch  1 , Andrew E Deptula  1 , Sandra M Goulding  3 , Erin B Tone  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Latent factor modeling of four schizotypy dimensions with theory of mind and empathy

Jeffrey S Bedwell et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Preliminary evidence suggests that theory of mind and empathy relate differentially to factors of schizotypy. The current study assessed 686 undergraduate students and used structural equation modeling to examine links between a four-factor model of schizotypy with performance on measures of theory of mind (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test [MIE]) and empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index [IRI]). Schizotypy was assessed using three self-report measures which were simultaneously entered into the model. Results revealed that the Negative factor of schizotypy showed a negative relationship with the Empathy factor, which was primarily driven by the Empathic Concern subscale of the IRI and the No Close Friends and Constricted Affect subscales of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. These findings are consistent with a growing body of literature suggesting a relatively specific relationship between negative schizotypy and empathy, and are consistent with several previous studies that found no relationship between MIE performance and schizotypy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Structural equation model of the chosen four-factor model of schizotypy.
PAS  =  Perceptual Aberration Scale; UPE  =  Unusual Perceptual Experiences; OB  =  Odd Beliefs; SAS  =  Revised Social Anhedona Scale; CA  =  Constricted Affect; NCF  =  No Close Friends: SA  =  Social Anxiety; SUS  =  Suspiciousness; IR  =  Ideas of Reference; OS  =  Odd Speech; EB  =  Eccentric Behavior.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Structural equation model of the chosen model of social cognition.
IR  =  Interpersonal Reactivity Index; Emp. Conc.  =  Empathic Concern; Persp. Taking  =  Perspective Taking; MIE  =  Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Revised.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Full structural equation model linking social cognition to schizotypy.
PAS  =  Perceptual Aberration Scale; UPE  =  Unusual Perceptual Experiences; OB  =  Odd Beliefs; SAS  =  Revised Social Anhedona Scale; CA  =  Constricted Affect; NCF  =  No Close Friends: SA  =  Social Anxiety; SUS  =  Suspiciousness; SPQ IR  =  Ideas of Reference; OS  =  Odd Speech; EB  =  Eccentric Behavior; IR  =  Interpersonal Reactivity Index; Emp. Conc.  =  Empathic Concern; Persp. Taking  =  Perspective Taking; MIE  =  Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Revised. * p<.05 for the second order links.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Structural equation model linking negative schizotypy to empathy.
SAS  =  Revised Social Anhedona Scale; CA  =  Constricted Affect; NCF  =  No Close Friends: SA  =  Social Anxiety; SUS  =  Suspiciousness; IR  =  Interpersonal Reactivity Index; Emp. Conc.  =  Empathic Concern; Persp. Taking  =  Perspective Taking.
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