Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2014

Thesis Director

Ronan S. Bernas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the construct of schizotypy and whether or not it may have benefits within different conceptions of psychological health, or well-being. Schizotypy is a construct that emerged around the turn of the 20th century. It had historically incorporated aspects later reclassified under other areas of dysfunction, or relegated to social value judgment, and is currently the cause of some debate in the field (Acar & Sen, 2013; Carson, 2011; Farias, Underwood & Claridge, 2013; Kendler, 1985; Tsakanikos & Claridge, 2005; Vollema & van den Bosch, 1995). There has been little research done on how the construct might be viewed from different theoretical perspectives of well-being. The present study examined the relationship between global schizotypy and three different paradigms of well-being: Subjective Well-Being, Psychological (or Eudaimonic) Well-Being, and Social Well-Being. One hundred fifty one undergraduate university students responded to scales measuring each participant's level of schizotypal traits and levels of Subjective-, Psychological-, and Social Well-Being. The study suggests that while there are many individualistic aspects of schizotypy as it exists in healthy populations, overall, a greater accumulation of traits are indicative of precursors of lowered levels of well-being. Across all theoretical perspectives of well-being, schizotypy was not positively associated with any positive well-being element. Additonally, schizotopy was negatively correlated with the Subjective Well-Being elements of Life Satisfaction and positively correlated with Negative Affect; negatively correlated with the Eudaimonic Well-Being element of Positive Relations with Others, and negatively correlated with the Social Well-Being element of Social Actualization. Implications of these findings on client treatment are discussed.

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