Exploring Emotional Contagion and Emotional Mimicry in Schizotypy: Uncovering Residual Effects Post Depression Control.

Objective: Schizotypy, a trait vulnerability for psychotic disorders, is linked to social functioning deficits. Emotional contagion (the transfer of emotion between individuals) and emotional mimicry (the imitation of emotional expression) are key to social interactions but remain understudied in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This study examined schizotypy's influence on these processes while controlling for depression.

Methods: Sixty healthy participants completed a questionnaire assessing emotional contagion, emotional mimicry, schizotypy (SPQ-B), and depression (BDI-II). Emotional contagion was measured through self-reported emotions before and after emotional videos. Emotional mimicry was assessed by analyzing webcam-recorded facial expressions using OpenFace.

Results: Higher schizotypy correlated with increased sadness contagion and reduced joy contagion, though effects were nonsignificant when controlling for depression. Higher schizotypy was linked to decreased sadness mimicry.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the role of emotional processes in schizotypy and schizophrenia, emphasizing their potential impact on social interactions.