Schizotypal traits and their relation to rejection sensitivity in the general population: the mediation by quality of life, agreeableness and neuroticism

Schizotypal traits are a cluster of personality styles suggesting a potential liability for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Rejection sensitivity is evident all along this continuum. This study aimed to determine whether the relation between schizotypy and rejection sensitivity was mediated by psychosocial quality of life (QOL), neuroticism and agreeableness. Three hundred and eighteen participants from a predominantly University student population completed an online survey measuring schizotypy, rejection sensitivity, quality of life, and the five-factor personality traits. A regression analysis determined the prediction of rejection sensitivity by the facets of the other variables. Analyses examined the mediation of the relation between interpersonal schizotypy and rejection sensitivity by psychological QOL, social QOL, neuroticism, and agreeableness. Interpersonal schizotypal traits were cognitive disorganisation which includes social anxiety, and introvertive anhedonia which includes a lack of pleasure in social activities. Interpersonal schizotypy predicted greater rejection sensitivity. Psychological QOL, social QOL, neuroticism, and agreeableness mediated the relation between interpersonal schizotypy and rejection sensitivity. To conclude, a higher level of interpersonal schizotypy relates to greater rejection sensitivity. This association is mediated by psychosocial factors that lower one’s ability to have positive feelings and trusting relationships, and personality traits that increase worrying and lower prosocial behaviour