Schizotypal Traits in College Students: Association with Empathy and Psychiatric Symptoms
2024

Schizotypal Traits in College Students and Their Links to Empathy and Psychiatric Symptoms

Sample size: 70 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Pérez-Ferrara David, Flores Medina Yvonne, Yáñez-Téllez Guillermina, Solís-Vivanco Rodolfo, Mondragón-Maya Alejandra

Primary Institution: Iztacala Higher Education Faculty, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Hypothesis

The study aims to explore the relationship between schizotypal traits, psychiatric symptoms, and empathy in college students.

Conclusion

The study found that higher levels of schizotypal traits are associated with increased psychiatric symptoms and that empathy plays a significant role in this relationship.

Supporting Evidence

  • A high prevalence of schizotypal traits was found in the sample, with 85.8% exhibiting these traits.
  • Empathic stress was a significant predictor of anxiety, obsession-compulsion, and depressive symptoms.
  • Distinct patterns were observed between cognitive and affective empathy in relation to psychiatric symptoms.

Takeaway

This study looked at college students and found that many of them showed signs of unusual thinking and feelings, which can be linked to how they understand and share emotions with others.

Methodology

The study used a non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational design with assessments through interviews and standardized questionnaires.

Potential Biases

Self-report measures may introduce bias in the assessment of symptoms.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the sample was small and non-randomized.

Participant Demographics

The sample consisted of 70 Mexican college students, 64% of whom were women, with a mean age of 18.36 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.74995

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