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. 2025 Jan 22;20(1):e0317377.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317377. eCollection 2025.

Constructs across a hierarchical, dimensional model of psychopathology show differential associations with social and general cognitive ability

Scott D Blain  1   2 , Jerillyn S Kent  3 , Timothy A Allen  4 , Carly A Lasagna  5 , Chloe A Peyromaure de Bord  3 , Aisha L Udochi  6 , Scott R Sponheim  6   7 , Colin G DeYoung  7 , Ivy F Tso  1   2   5
Affiliations

Constructs across a hierarchical, dimensional model of psychopathology show differential associations with social and general cognitive ability

Scott D Blain et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Many psychiatric disorders and associated psychopathology dimensions are related to social cognitive deficits and reduced general cognitive ability. The current study applied a hierarchical, dimensional approach to better understand associations among psychopathology, social cognition, and general cognitive ability. Data were collected from two samples (n = 653), including psychosis-spectrum patients, their first-degree relatives, and individuals from community sources. Participants completed dimensional psychopathology measures and social cognition tasks (e.g., emotion perception and mentalizing). Data were analyzed using bi-factor exploratory structural equation modeling. Detachment-a psychopathology dimension conceptually linked to social functioning-was associated with worse social cognition, independent of general cognitive ability. Eccentricity and Machiavellianism were associated with better social cognition and general cognitive ability. Findings-and the hierarchical, dimensional approach employed-will be useful in informing future research on and interventions for social dysfunction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Measurement models for social and general cognitive ability.
Note. *p < .05. Standardized measurement models for social cognition and general cognitive ability.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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