Association of Multidimensional Schizotypy With Cognitive-Behavioral Disorganization in Daily Life: An Experience Sampling Methodology Study

Schizotypy is a multidimensional construct that is composed of positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions. Historically, disorganized schizotypy, which involves disruptions in thoughts, speech, behavior, and affect, has been relatively understudied and less clearly operationalized than the other dimensions. The present study employed experience sampling methodology to examine the associations of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy, as measured by the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale, with daily life experiences. A total of 601 young adults were prompted eight times daily for 1 week to complete experience sampling methodology questionnaires that assessed affect, social functioning, schizotypic experiences, situation appraisals, and substance use in daily life, with an emphasis on disorganized schizotypic experiences and communication disruptions. As hypothesized, disorganized schizotypy was associated with momentary disorganization, negative affect, and stress over-and-above positive and negative schizotypy. Negative schizotypy was associated with diminished positive affect, poor social functioning, and diminished emotional clarity. Positive schizotypy was associated with momentary reports of strange or unusual thoughts, racing thoughts, and emotions and thoughts feeling out of control. All three schizotypy dimensions uniquely predicted communication difficulties. Cross-level interactions indicated disorganized schizotypy, but not positive or negative schizotypy, predicted stronger associations of simultaneous reports of doing something that requires focus and attention with negative affect and difficulty completing the current task. Overall, the present study expands our understanding of disorganized schizotypy’s expression in daily life and builds upon previous findings by demonstrating the unique associations of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy with daily life experiences.