Putatively psychosis-prone subjects 10 years later.

The predictive validities of several indicators of psychosis proneness were evaluated in a 10-yr longitudinal study (N?=?508). As hypothesized, high scorers on the Perceptual Aberration Scale, Magical Ideation Scale, or both (n?=?182), especially those who initially reported psychoticlike experiences of at least moderate deviance, exceeded control Ss (n?=?153) on psychoses (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III—Revised [DSM-III-R]), psychotic relatives, schizotypal symptoms, and psychoticlike experiences at follow-up. Ss who initially scored high on the Magical Ideation Scale and above the mean on the Social Anhedonia Scale were especially deviant. The Physical Anhedonia Scale and the Impulsive Nonconformity Scale were not effective predictors of psychosis proneness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social anhedonia in the prediction of psychosis proneness.

Investigated, in 3 studies using 203 undergraduates (80 females and 123 males), the validity of the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) and the role of social anhedonia as measured by the scale. Ss were drawn from a pool of approximately 6,000 undergraduates administered the scale. In Study 1, 38 Ss who scored deviantly high on the RSAS and 45 undergraduate controls participated in a structured interview derived from modified versions of a social adjustment scale and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Lifetime version. Results show that socially anhedonic Ss had a marked pattern of social withdrawal. Results of Study 2 show that socially anhedonic females reported more schizotypal features and more deviant psychoticlike experiences than controls. In Study 3, scores of 79 Ss who scored high on the Perceptual Aberration–Magical Ideation subscale of the RSAS were analyzed. Ss scoring high who were also socially anhedonic reported poorer social adjustment than did nonanhedonic Ss. Socially anhedonic males reported more schizotypal features and more deviant psychoticlike experiences. Findings provide validity for the RSAS and suggest that it may be of use in identifying hypothetically psychosis-prone individuals. (49 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interpersonal deviance and consequent social impact in hypothetically schizophrenia-prone men.

Interpersonal deviance is central to the theory of and research on schizotypal psychopathology. The present study investigated interpersonal deviance and its corresponding impact among hypothetically schizotypic, or schizophrenia-prone, men, defined by high scores on the Perceptual Aberration–Magical Ideation (Per-Mag) Scale. In a videotaped interview, high-scoring Ss relative to control Ss were rated as more odd and more avoidant in their interview behavior and made the interviewers feel more anxious, more angry, and less interested. Other analyses revealed that oddness was the strongest discriminating variable and that this behavior could not be accounted for by social anxiety or lack of interest. These results provide further construct validation for the Per-Mag scale and suggest that interpersonal factors may influence the eventual adjustment of high scoring individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceptual asymmetry in psychosis-prone college students: Evidence for left-hemisphere overactivation.

The hypothesis that psychosis-prone students demonstrate a pattern of exaggerated perceptual asymmetry across both left- and right-hemisphere dichotic-listening tasks (consonant-vowel [CV] and tonal contour discrimination) was investigated. Ss who scored high on the Perceptual Aberration or Magical Ideation scale or both (n?=?20) demonstrated a significantly exaggerated right-ear advantage on a CV task in relation to normal control Ss (n?=?27) but showed a reduced left-ear advantage on a tone task. The hypothesis of exaggerated functional lateralization across hemispheres in the psychosis-prone Ss was not supported, but the results are consistent with a hypothesis of left hemisphere overactivation in this sample. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of the 2-7-8 MMPI profile and the Perceptual Aberration—Magical Ideation Scale in identifying hypothetically psychosis-prone college students.

Compared college students with 2-7-8 profiles (from the D, Pt, and Sc scales, respectively) on the MMPI and students scoring high on the Perceptual Aberration–Magical Ideation (PAMIS) Scale on symptoms that are thought to indicate psychosis proneness. A modified Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Lifetime Version interview revealed that the PAMIS group (19 males, 22 females) and 2-7-8-group (19 males, 20 females) did not differ on the number of Ss with psychotic and psychoticlike experiences. For both sexes, however, the PAMIS group exceeded the 2-7-8 group on the number of schizotypal experiences; the male PAMIS group also surpassed the male 2-7-8 group on hypomania. The groups were similar on depression and several other disorders as defined by Research Diagnostic Criteria. Findings suggest that some of the Ss identified by both scales were at elevated risk for psychosis. However, because only 3 Ss were selected by both scales, the MMPI 2-7-8 profile and the PAMIS selected different groups from that population. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Continued word association in hypothetically psychosis-prone college students.

White male undergraduates who scored deviantly high (2 standard deviations above the mean) on the Physical Anhedonia Scale, the Perceptual Aberration/Magical Ideation (Per/Mag) Scale, or the Nonconformity Scale were compared with controls on either a structured (n?=?63) or an unstructured (n?=?81) continued word-association task. This task has often been used as a measure of psychotic thought disorder. On the unstructured word-association task, Per/Mag Ss produced proportionately more unusual idiosyncratic responses, proportionately fewer common responses, fewer popular responses, and lower response commonality scores than did controls, and these differences were due to those Per/Mag Ss who had also scored at least 1 standard deviation above the mean on the Nonconformity Scale. These findings show mild cognitive slippage in these Ss. Results support the validity of the Per/Mag Scale as a measure of psychosis proneness and the validity of the Nonconformity Scale as a potentiator in the identification of psychosis proneness. (48 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

étude des composantes dépressives chez des adolescents à tendances suicidaires.

Studied symptoms of depression in adolescents with suicidal tendencies. Ss were 2,850 secondary school students (aged 12–18 yrs). Ss completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic variables, symptoms of depression, and suicidality. Results from the following subsamples were compared: (1) 105 Ss with suicidal ideation; (2) 206 Ss with suicidal ideation who had contemplated specific means of suicide; (3) 94 Ss who had attempted suicide; (4) 62 Ss with depression but without suicidal ideation; and (5) 336 age-, gender-, and grade-matched comparison Ss without suicidal ideation. The Dysphoria Scale by L. S. Radloff (1977) was used. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of stress and tolerance of ambiguity on magical thinking.

The present study investigated the relationship between psychological stress and magical thinking and the extent to which such a relationship may be moderated by individuals' tolerance of ambiguity. Questionnaires assessing different types of magical thinking and tolerance of ambiguity were administered to 174 Israeli citizens who, during the Gulf War, resided in areas that were either exposed (high-stress condition) or not exposed (low-stress condition) to missile attacks. Magical thinking emerged more frequently in Ss under high-stress conditions than in those under low-stress conditions. Furthermore, high stress levels exerted a more pronounced effect on the emergence of magical thinking in individuals with low tolerance of ambiguity than in those with high tolerance. Results are discussed in relation to the concept of personal control and coping strategies adopted by individuals for attaining such control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Magical ideation and social anhedonia as predictors of psychosis proneness: a partial replication

The authors compared college students identified by high scores on the Magical Ideation Scale (M. Eckblad & L. J. Chapman, 1983) and the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (MagSoc; n = 28; M. Eckblad, L. J. Chapman, J. P. Chapman, & M. Mishlove, 1982) with control participants (n = 20) at a 10-year follow-up assessment in an attempt to replicate L. J. Chapman, J. P. Chapman, T. R. Kwapil, M. Eckblad, and M. C. Zinser's (1994) report of heightened psychosis proneness in MagSoc individuals. The MagSoc group exceeded the control group on severity of psychotic-like experiences; ratings of schizotypal, paranoid, and borderline personality disorder symptoms; and rates of mood and substance use disorders. Two of the MagSoc participants but none of the control participants developed psychosis during the follow-up period (a nonsignificant difference). Consistent with L. J. Chapman et al.'s findings, the groups did not differ on rates of personality disorders or relatives with psychosis.     

Hopelessness, depression, and suicidal intent among psychiatrically disturbed inpatient children.

The Hoplessness Scale for Children was developed and administered to 66 8–13 yr old children along with the Children's Depression Inventory, Bellevue Index of Depression, Depression Symptom Checklist, and the Self-Esteem Inventory. As predicted, Ss who scored high on the Hopelessness Scale showed significantly more severe depression and lower self-esteem than those who scored low on the scale. Ss who evinced suicidal attempt or ideation, independently assessed at intake diagnosis, showed greater hopelessness than Ss with no such intent. Suicidal intent was more consistently correlated with hopelessness than with depression, a finding parallel to results obtained with adults. Overall, findings suggest that negative expectations toward oneself and the future can be assessed in children and are related both to depression and suicidal intent. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Expression of metastasis-related genes in surgical specimens of human gastric cancer can predict disease recurrence

College undergraduates (n = 34) identified by deviant scores (at least 1.96 SD above the mean) on the Revised Social Anhedonia (SocAnh) Scale (M. Eckblad, L. J. Chapman, J. P. Chapman, & M. Mishlove, 1982) were compared with control participants (n = 139) at an initial assessment and at a 10-year follow-up evaluation. Twenty-four percent of the SocAnh group were diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at the follow-up compared with only 1% of the control group, despite the fact that there had been no such difference between the groups at the initial assessment 10 years earlier. The SocAnh group exceeded the control group on severity of psychotic-like experiences and had poorer overall adjustment at the follow-up but not at the initial assessment. The groups did not differ on mood symptoms or substance-use disorders. Thus, the SocAnh Scale, unlike the Perceptual Aberration and Magical Ideation Scales, appears to identify individuals at specific risk for future development of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.     

Silicone gel and delayed hypersensitivity

The present study explored the relationship of scores on acculturative stress with those on depression and suicidal ideation among 26 male and 28 female Mexican-American students from a southern California high school. Subjects completed the SAFE acculturative stress scale, the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, and the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior. Analyses suggested that acculturating Mexican-American adolescents who report high scores on acculturative stress may report elevated scores for depression and suicidal ideation. Researchers should assess suicide risk within this and other acculturating groups, and risk factors specific to acculturating groups should be considered in the development and implementation of suicide prevention programs in schools.     

Social anhedonia as a predictor of the development of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

College undergraduates (n?=?34) identified by deviant scores (at least 1.96 SD above the mean) on the Revised Social Anhedonia (SocAnh) Scale (M. Eckblad, L. J. Chapman, J. P. Chapman, & M. Mishlove, 1982) were compared with control participants (n?=?139) at an initial assessment and at a 10-year follow-up evaluation. Twenty-four percent of the SocAnh group were diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at the follow-up compared with only 1% of the control group, despite the fact that there had been no such difference between the groups at the initial assessment 10 years earlier. The SocAnh group exceeded the control group on severity of psychotic-like experiences and had poorer overall adjustment at the follow-up but not at the initial assessment. The groups did not differ on mood symptoms or substance-use disorders. Thus. the SocAnh Scale, unlike the Perceptual Aberration and Magical Ideation Scales, appears to identify individuals at specific risk for future development of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of suicidal intention: The Scale for Suicide Ideation.

Describes the rationale, development, and validation of the Scale for Suicide Ideation, a 19-item clinical research instrument designed to quantify and assess suicidal intention. In a sample with 90 hospitalized Ss, the scale was found to have high internal consistency and moderately high correlations with clinical ratings of suicidal risk and self-administered measures of self-harm. Furthermore, it was sensitive to changes in levels of depression and hopelessness (Beck Depression Inventory and Hopelessness Scale, respectively) over time. Its construct validity was supported by 2 studies by different investigators testing the relationship between hopelessness, depression, and suicidal ideation and by a study demonstrating a significant relationship between high level of suicidal ideation and "dichotomous" attitudes about life and related concepts on a semantic differential test. Factor analysis yielded 3 meaningful factors: Active Suicidal Desire, Specific Plans for Suicide, and Passive Suicidal Desire. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinical Status of At-Risk Individuals 5 Years Later: Further Validation of the Psychometric High-Risk Strategy.

The authors hypothesized that at-risk individuals identified on the basis of their Chapman scale scores would be diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at follow-up. In the present study, the authors interviewed 135 young adults approximately 5 years following their initial assessment. The at-risk groups included high scorers on the Perceptual Aberration and/or Magical Ideation Scales (n = 59) and high scorers on the revised Social Anhedonia Scale (n = 32). The control participants (n = 44) scored below 0.5 SD of the same-sex group means on all the scales. At the follow-up, the groups differed in terms of their likelihood of having a schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis, Χ2(2) = 9.79, p     

Reliabilities and intercorrelations of eight measures of proneness to psychosis.

Scales thought to measure psychosis proneness—Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Psychoticism scale; the Schizoidia scale; composite scales for the MMPI 2-7-8 and 2-7-8-0 profiles; and Physical Anhedonia, Perceptual Aberration, Magical Ideation, and Nonconformity scales—were compared on their coefficient-alpha estimate of reliability and were intercorrelated, using 7,614 college students and 340 outpatient clinic clients. Test–retest reliability was examined for 5 of the scales using 511 college students. The Psychoticism and Nonconformity scales were found to measure the same pathology, but the Nonconformity scale did so more reliably. The Schizoidia scale was found to measure the same pathology as the MMPI 2-7-8 and 2-7-8-0 scales, but the longer MMPI scales did so more reliably. The Magical Ideation and Perceptual Aberration scales were highly correlated, and both had a negative correlation with the Physical Anhedonia scale. The MMPI 2-7-8 and 2-7-8-0 scales correlated positively with all of the other scales, indicating that these MMPI composite scales are sensitive to more than one kind of pathology. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treatment experiences of adults with unipolar depression: The influence of patient and life context factors.

Examined between- and within-programs variations in the amount and type of treatment obtained by 412 patients (aged 18+ yrs) who entered treatment for unipolar depression in 1 of 6 programs. Ss were assessed on the Health and Daily Living Form, the Family Environment Scale, and the Work Environment Scale. Each program had a distinctive orientation toward treatment as shown by considerable between-programs variability in Ss' treatment experiences. These between-programs differences remained significant after controlling for severity of depressive symptoms and the sociodemographic characteristics of Ss treated in each program. Within programs, there was only limited evidence for a patient–treatment matching process in which Ss with more severe depression received more intensive treatment. However, there was also little evidence of clinician bias against providing treatment to less "desirable" Ss, such as those who were older or of lower social status. Ss who experienced more recent life stressors were treated less intensively, perhaps because of a tendency to attribute their depression to situational rather than dispositional factors. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Magical ideation and schizophrenia.

The Eckblad and Chapman (1983) Magical Ideation Scale was administered to groups of paranoid and nonparanoid schizophrenics and control subjects. Schizophrenics were found to score significantly higher than nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients (mainly cases of affective disorder) and normal control subjects. The potential theoretical and prognostic utility of this finding is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Suicidal, abused African American women's response to a culturally informed intervention.

Objective: This study examined (a) the efficacy of a manualized, culturally informed, empowerment-focused psychoeducational group intervention (Nia) designed in accord with the theory of triadic influence or treatment as usual (TAU) for reducing psychological symptomatology (suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, general psychological distress), and (b) the effect of Nia versus TAU on the relation between exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and psychological symptomatology in these women. Method: Two hundred eight low-socioeconomic-status African American women with a recent history of IPV and a suicide attempt were randomized to Nia or TAU and assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up. They were assessed on their levels of IPV (Index of Spouse Abuse), suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory–II), posttraumatic stress symptoms, and general psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory). Results:Hierarchical linear modeling found that women receiving the culturally informed Nia intervention showed more rapid reductions in depressive symptoms and general distress initially, and the between-group difference in depressive symptoms persisted at follow-up. Following intervention, compared with women randomized to TAU, women in Nia exhibited less severe suicidal ideation when exposed to physical and nonphysical IPV. Conclusions:Findings highlight the value of incorporating Nia as an adjunctive intervention for abused, suicidal, low-income women. They underscore the ways the intervention needs to be bolstered to address more directly more mediating and moderating constructs, as well as the need to target more effectively the key outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)