Alexithymia as a Bridge Between Negative Affect and Schizotypy: A Cross-Sectional Network Model

Background

Schizotypy provides a theoretically grounded framework for investigating psychosis proneness, reflecting a multidimensional structure that parallels the positive, negative and disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia. Alexithymia, a trait characterized by difficulties in identifying (DIF) and describing feelings (DDF) and a tendency towards externally oriented thinking (EOT), has been robustly linked to schizophrenia. Despite these associations, the relationship between alexithymia and schizotypy remains underexplored. Moreover, given that both constructs are closely associated with negative affect, it is critical to account for this potential confound to estimate their associations accurately.

Method

We employed a cross-sectional design in a non-clinical sample to examine the associations among the dimensions of alexithymia, negative affect and schizotypy. Network models were estimated using Spearman correlations and the EBICglasso method to capture conditionally independent associations.

Results

The sample (N = 420) was predominantly female (n = 314), with ages ranging from 18 to 37 years (M = 28.72, SD = 4.52). More than half (n = 232) reported receiving mental health treatment, and 127 participants self-reported a personal history of psychosis. DIF and negative schizotypy emerged as central to different clusters in the network. Specifically, DIF served as a bridge linking positive and disorganized schizotypy dimensions to anxiety and stress, whereas negative schizotypy was a central bridge connecting DDF and EOT to depression. These estimates were psychometrically stable.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest DIF and negative schizotypy as plausible mechanisms of change facilitating emotional attunement and resilience against distress due to unusual self-experiences.