Publication Date

2012-07-03

Availability

Open access

Embargo Period

2012-07-03

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Department

Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Date of Defense

2011-06-03

First Committee Member

Amy Weisman de Mamani

Second Committee Member

Michael McCullough

Third Committee Member

Michael Antoni

Fourth Committee Member

Craig Marker

Fifth Committee Member

Blaine Fowers

Abstract

Converging evidence suggests that schizotypal personality traits exist on a continuum (Rawlings, Williams, Haslam, & Claridge, 2008). In fact, although scant research has been conducted on this topic to date, some evidence suggests that there may be a subset of schizotypes (“healthy schizotypes”) who function well in spite of unusual experiences and proneness to the development of psychosis (McCreery & Claridge, 2002). In the present study, a latent profile analysis was conducted on a sample of 420 undergraduates, using data from the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE) scale. Six profiles emerged from the analysis. Confirming study expectations, with few exceptions, results indicated that participants classified in the “Healthy Schizotypy” profile (characterized by the presence of positive schizotypy indicators, in the absence of negative, disorganized or impulsive schizotypy features) demonstrated significantly better mental health than those classified in profiles dominated by negative or disorganized schizotypy indicators. Individuals in the Healthy Schizotypy profile also had similar levels of well-being when compared to those with Average or Low Average schizotypy scores. Another aim of the current study was to expand on prior research linking healthy schizotypy with greater creativity, greater intrinsic religion, and better overall mental health. Specifically, it was hypothesized that greater creativity and greater intrinsic religion might account for the greater mental health among those in the Healthy Schizotypy profile, when compared to those in other latent profiles. While greater intrinsic religion was associated with greater mental health, contrary to expectations, no support was found for either meditational model.

Keywords

schizotypy; mental health; latent profile analysis; creativity; religion

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