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

Steel, C., Mahmood, M. and Holmes, E.A. (2008) Positive schizotypy and trait dissociation as vulnerability factors for post-traumatic distress. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 47 (2). pp. 245-249. ISSN 0144-6657 doi: 10.1348/014466507x255276

Abstract/Summary

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.