Latent profiles of apathy in the general population and their associations with psychopathology and functioning

Apathy is a multidimensional construct associated with functional impairments across neuropsychiatric disorders and the general population. While distinct apathy subtypes have been reported, its heterogeneity remains insufficiently understood, particularly in relation to psychosis-spectrum traits and functioning. Latent profile analysis was conducted in a representative community sample (N = 1200) using three apathy dimensions assessed by the Apathy Motivation Index (behavioral, social, emotional). Identified profiles were compared on social and occupational functioning, psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), depression, and anhedonia, with additional analyses adjusting for affective symptoms. Demographic predictors of profile membership were examined using exploratory logistic regression. A two-profile solution provided the best fit, reflecting differences in overall apathy severity rather than qualitatively distinct subtypes. The elevated apathy profile (17.2% of the sample) showed significantly higher levels of PLEs (p < 0.001) and poorer functioning in activities, work-related skills, and social appropriateness (all ps < 0.001). In contrast, participants in this profile reported higher interpersonal relationship functioning (p < 0.001). Most profile differences remained significant after controlling for depressive symptoms and anhedonia. Younger age was robustly associated with elevated apathy profile membership (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.95, 0.98]). Overall, apathy in the general population appears best understood as a severity-based motivational phenomenon with domain-specific functional consequences and relevance for psychosis-spectrum traits.