Social cognition and schizotypy

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2019

Abstract

Schizotypy is defined in terms of an underlying personality trait predisposing people to schizophrenia-spectrum pathology. Because schizotypy affects a broad range of social, emotional, and cognitive functions, a relatively large amount of literature relevant to social cognition in schizotypy has amassed over the past five decades. This chapter explores topics related to social cognition in schizotypy, covering the patterns of performance in emotional perception, theory of mind, empathy, self-awareness, attributional style, and social knowledge. The results from studies in individuals with schizotypy are contrasted with the schizophrenia literature to contextualize social cognition along the schizotypy spectrum. Schizotypy is associated with social cognitive abnormalities in many functions, with several impairments and some strengths. Particular impairments have been observed in domains related to self-other boundaries and emotion processing, and relative strengths have been observed in social cognitive skills that more readily integrate basic cognition. The patterns of impairment and strength are distinct from individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting that these results do not merely reflect “severity of illness.” Abnormal social cognition is then examined in the context of relevant neurobiology and potential causal mechanisms. The potential roles of basic cognitive and affective abilities are highlighted.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Social Cognition in Psychosis

First Page

71

Last Page

88

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