Multidimensional schizotypy and emotion regulation strategies in daily life

Schizotypy is a multidimensional construct encompassing clinical and subclinical expressions of schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology that is comprised of positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions. These dimensions are differentially associated with disruptions in emotional experiences; however, few studies have examined the association of multidimensional schizotypy with emotion regulation (ER). The present study employed experience sampling methodology (ESM) to examine the hypothesis that there are differential associations of positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy with ER strategies (acceptance, cognitive reappraisal, distraction, avoidance, suppression, and sharing) in daily life. A sample of 708 non-clinically ascertained young adults completed the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale and were signaled 8 times daily for 7 days to complete ESM questionnaires on their smartphones about emotional experiences and ER strategy use. Consistent with our hypotheses, the schizotypy dimensions displayed differential patterns of associations with emotional experiences and ER strategy use. Disorganized schizotypy was associated with rumination and distraction, and suppression, in addition to lower awareness of emotions and increased distress from emotions. Positive schizotypy was associated with increased use of rumination, cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and suppression, whereas negative schizotypy was associated with decreased awareness of emotions and decreased use of ER strategies including cognitive reappraisal, distraction, sharing with others, and acceptance. Overall, this study provides evidence for differential patterns of ER difficulties in schizotypy and suggests increased selection of putatively maladaptive strategies (e.g., rumination, suppression) or disengagement of ER strategies across positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions of schizotypy.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Berglund, Alysia Michi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kwapil, Thomas R.
• Berenbaum, Howard

• Emotion Regulation
• Schizotypy
• Schizophrenia-spectrum
• Experience Sampling

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Alysia Berglund

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130061

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F130061