Abstract

It is well documented that individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate deficits in emotion processing. Though study is established in this area, the same can not yet be said for controls or at risk groups like those with a family history of schizophrenia, those with a genetic predisposition, or those high in schizotypy who are at higher risk for schizophrenia. In the proposed study I attempted to elucidate the relationships between schizotypal symptoms and facial emotion perception. The study of schizotypy and emotion perception may provide insight into the etiology of schizophrenia through better understanding of the symptom constellations and deficits that mark the disorder. Research on such high risk groups may also help to identify and understand vulnerability markers that aid in the early detection and identification of the disorder and those at risk for it. Early detection and increased understanding of the transitional phase of schizophrenia should help us in developing treatments to attenuate symptoms after onset or even abate the transition altogether. The current study reviewed schizotypy and facial emotion perception in people with schizophrenia and in controls. People with schizophrenia rated higher on schizotypy scales and worse on facial emotion recognition. No correlation was found between facial emotion perception and schizotypy in the Schizophrenia group, but an unexpected one was found in the Control group. This article explores these relationships and discusses possible reasoning, impact, and future avenues of research.

Date of publication

Fall 8-1-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/41

Included in

Psychology Commons

COinS