The Classification and Stability of Psychotic-Like Experiences

Abstract: We examined psychotic-like experiences in adults. In Session 1, 404 participants completed domain measures of the Big Five and HEXACO. We identified 25 potential Psychoticism markers in Session 2, which was roughly 3 weeks later. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) of the Session 1 and Session 2 scales revealed six factors: the Big Five, plus Psychoticism. Eighteen scales marked the Psychoticism factor; in addition, five scales assessing negative symptoms of schizotypy defined low Extraversion. Finally, we identified a semioverlapping set of 22 potential Psychoticism markers in Session 3 ( N = 292), which was roughly 9.5 months after Session 2. EFAs of the Session 1 and Session 3 scales produced the same six factors. Sixteen scales defined Psychoticism; four scales assessing negative symptoms of schizotypy again formed a bipolar factor with Extraversion. Scores on the Psychoticism factors correlated .78 ( N = 287) across this 9.5-month interval, demonstrating a trait-like level of stability.