Self-face recognition is affected by schizotypal personality traits.
The right cortical hemisphere appears to be important for processing self-face images and we have hypothesized that self-face processing is compromised in schizophrenia. As a way of testing this hypothesis, we investigated how reaction times to one's own face varied as a function of scores on the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Left-hand reaction times to self-face images were positively correlated to scores on the SPQ. In addition, people who scored 20 or below on the SPQ showed shorter reaction times to self-face images than stranger faces when responding with their left-hand, whereas those who scored 21 or above on the SPQ showed a left-hand disadvantage. These results imply that self-face processing in the right hemisphere is impaired in individuals with schizotypal traits. Our data are the first to show that traits associated with a schizophrenic spectrum disorder in a non-clinical population may compromise self-face recognition.
Platek
Steven M
SM
Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
Gallup
Gordon G
GG
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires