Positive schizotypy and trait dissociation as vulnerability factors for post-traumatic distress

Br J Clin Psychol. 2008 Jun;47(Pt 2):245-9. doi: 10.1348/014466507X255276. Epub 2007 Nov 13.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated whether trait positive schizotypy or trait dissociation was associated with increased levels of data-driven processing and symptoms of post-traumatic distress following a road traffic accident.

Methods: Forty-five survivors of road traffic accidents were recruited from a London Accident and Emergency service. Each completed measures of trait positive schizotypy, trait dissociation, data-driven processing, and post-traumatic stress.

Results: Trait positive schizotypy was associated with increased levels of data-driven processing and post-traumatic symptoms during a road traffic accident, whereas trait dissociation was not.

Conclusions: Previous results which report a significant relationship between trait dissociation and post-traumatic symptoms may be an artefact of the relationship between trait positive schizotypy and trait dissociation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Dissociative Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Dissociative Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events*
  • London
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Regression Analysis
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology