Accessibility navigation


Childhood abuse and schizotypal personality

Steel, C., Marzillier, S., Fearon, P. and Ruddle, A. (2009) Childhood abuse and schizotypal personality. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 44 (11). pp. 917-923. ISSN 0933-7954

Full text not archived in this repository.

It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.

To link to this item DOI: 10.1007/s00127-009-0038-0

Abstract/Summary

Introduction There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting an association between early adverse events and an increased prevalence of sub-clinical psychotic phenomena. These 'schizotypal' beliefs and experiences have been associated with a history of trauma, and are also recognised as a risk factor for the transition to psychosis. However, previous studies have not investigated the associations between specific types of adverse event and the distinct dimensions of such phenomena. Methods An internet questionnaire produced three groups of participants who had suffered discrete forms of childhood abuse. Results Individuals who had suffered physical or sexual abuse exhibited higher levels of paranoia/suspiciousness and unusual perceptual experiences, but not magical thinking. Individuals who had suffered emotional abuse did not show higher scores within any of these three measures of schizotypy. Conclusion The results suggest the need for further research to improve the specificity of the identification of individuals who may be at risk of a transition to psychosis.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences
ID Code:13856
Uncontrolled Keywords:Schizotypy, Childhood abuse, Trauma, Psychosis-proneness, ULTRA-HIGH RISK, PSYCHOTIC EXPERIENCES, PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES, GENERAL-POPULATION, TRAUMATIC EVENTS, COGNITIVE MODEL, CLINICAL-SAMPLE, YOUNG-PEOPLE, SYMPTOMS, SCALES

University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record

Page navigation