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

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jeffrey S. Bedwell, University of Central Florida; Michael T. Compton, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine; Florian G. Jentsch, University of Central Florida; Andrew E. Deptula, University of Central Florida; Sandra Goulding, Emory University; Erin B. Tone, Georgia State University
• Language: English
• Date: 2014-11-21
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2014 Bedwell et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113853
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PLoS ONE
• ISSN: 1932-6203
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 11
• Start Page: e113853
• End Page: e113853
• Grant/Funding Information: The authors received no specific funding for this work.
• Keywords: Female; Adolescent; Models, Biological; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adult; Empathy; Humans; Middle Aged
• Research Categories: Psychology, Cognitive; Biology, Neuroscience

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.