The assessment of schizotypal experiences in adolescent population

Resumen

Schizotypal experiences represent the behavioural expression of liability for psychotic disorders in general population. Empirical evidence indicates that participants with high scores on schizotypal self-reports are at a heightened risk for the later development of psychotic disorders. In the literature, there are different measurement instruments for the assessment of schizotypal experiences in both adults and adolescents. There is no doubt that having a measuring instrument with adequate psychometric properties, reliability and sources of validity evidence, allow us to make well-founded decisions based on score profiles, for instance, screening participants at-risk for a more comprehensive psychological assessment. Within this research context, the main goal of this study was to analyze the rates of schizotypal experiences, the internal structure and reliability of the Oviedo Questionnaire for Schizotypy Assessment (ESQUIZO-Q) in nonclinical adolescents. The final sample consisted of 3,056 participants, 1,469 males, with a mean age of 15.9 years (SD = 1.2). The results indicated that schizotypal experiences are very common in this age group. The analysis of the underlying internal structure of the ESQUIZO-Q subscales revealed a three-factor solution specified in the following components: Reality Distortion, Anhedonia and Interpersonal Disorganization. The levels of internal consistency for the subscales of the ESQUIZO-Q were acceptable. The ESQUIZO-Q is a brief and easily administered self-report with adequate psychometric characteristics for the assessment of schizotypal experiences in nonclinical adolescents. Future studies should explore in more depth the psychometric properties of the ESQUIZO-Q (e.g., predictive validity) as well as the development of computerizedadaptive versions. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.