Face recognition failures in schizotypy

Abstract

Introduction. Studies suggest an important role of disturbances of self in schizophrenia and in schizotypy. Based on findings from a previous study (Brédart & Young, 2004), we developed a questionnaire assessing self-face recognition failures in everyday life (Self-Face Recognition Questionnaire; SFRQ) to investigate the relations between dimensions of schizotypy (cognitive-perceptual, interpersonal, disorganised) and self-face recognition disturbances.

Methods. A sample of nonclinical participants (n = 170) completed the SFRQ and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire.

Results. Factor analysis of SFRQ items revealed a clear three-factor structure consisting of: (1) self-face recognition difficulties, (2) unusual perception of own or other faces, and (3) other-face recognition difficulties. Correlational analyses between schizotypy dimensions and the SFRQ revealed that only the cognitive-perceptual and disorganised schizotypy dimensions correlated significantly with the SFRQ. By contrast, the interpersonal schizotypy dimension was not associated with the SFRQ.

Conclusions. Findings provide further support that positive (cognitive-perceptual) and negative (interpersonal) schizotypy represent discrete neurobehavioural dimensions. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported from a grant from La Communauté Française de Belgique direction de la recherche scientifique, Action de la Recherche Concertée, Convention 06/11-340. Arnaud D'Argembeau is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS).

Notes

¹Please note that since this was an exploratory study, no factor solution was suggested a priori to the factor analysis.