The contributions of adult attachment and schizotypy to working memory.

Abstract

Schizotypy comprises a suite of personality traits that are similar to symptoms of schizophrenia but often in a diminished form. Cognitive and interpersonal deficits are a known feature of schizotypy hence this study investigated the role of attachment and memoryin relation to levels of schizoptypy in a normal population. Working memory deficits have been demonstrated in individuals with schizotypal personality disorder. This study used a cross-sectional within-subjects design to examine the interrelationship between attachment, schizotypy and memory. 100 participants (age range 19-54) completed the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) Questionnaire (Fraley, Waller & Brennan, 2000), the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ-A) (Raine,1991) and a battery of memory tasks, measuring visuo-spatial and verbal working memory. Standard multiple regression found that avoidant attachment and visuo-spatial working memory to be independent predictors of schizotypy. Implications of the study for cognitive and interpersonal functioning in schizotypy will be discussed.