Toward a cognitive-interpersonal model of schizophrenic negative symptoms

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to establish a theoretically and empirically based cognitive-interpersonal model of schizophrenic negative symptoms, by examining the relationship between negative symptoms of schizophrenic, social functioning, and cognitive functioning. In particular, it examined (1) whether negative symptom scores, as quantified by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) interpersonal deficits factor, are more likely related to social functioning deficits than positive symptom scores, as quantified by SPQ cognitive-perceptual dysfunction factor; (2) whether interpersonal rejection sensitivity is related to negative symptoms, and whether cognitive deficits have a mediating effect on them; and (3) the relationship between normal personalities measured by Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and of those measured by SPQ.

Methods: Two hundred and sixty-two university students completed the SPQ, the TCI, the Sensitivity to Rejection Scale (SRS), the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). A canonical correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship pattern between the seven dimensions of TCI and the three factors of SPQ.

Results: Social functioning was significantly negatively related to negative symptom scores. However, no significant relationship was found between the negative symptoms and interpersonal rejection sensitivity scores. Cognitive functioning was significantly associated with negative symptom scores, but not with interpersonal rejection sensitivity. No mediating effect was found between these three variables. High harm avoidance, low reward dependence, and low self-directedness scores in TCI, were significantly associated with higher negative symptom scores in SPQ.

Discussion: The results suggest that people with the unique configuration of temperament and character are at risk to develop negative symptoms in schizophrenia and its associated impairments. Future studies can focus on the direct relationship between temperament and character and schizophrenic symptomatology. This may have practical implications for developing preventive measures of schizophrenia.