Constructs Across a Hierarchical, Dimensional Model of Psychopathology Show Differential Associations with Social and General Cognitive Ability

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Date 2025 Jan 22

PMID 39841648

Authors

Scott D Blain

Jerillyn S Kent

Timothy A Allen

Carly A Lasagna

Chloe A Peyromaure de Bord

Aisha L Udochi

Scott R Sponheim

Colin G DeYoung

Ivy F Tso

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Many psychiatric disorders and associated psychopathology dimensions are related to social cognitive deficits and reduced general cognitive ability. The current study applied a hierarchical, dimensional approach to better understand associations among psychopathology, social cognition, and general cognitive ability. Data were collected from two samples (n = 653), including psychosis-spectrum patients, their first-degree relatives, and individuals from community sources. Participants completed dimensional psychopathology measures and social cognition tasks (e.g., emotion perception and mentalizing). Data were analyzed using bi-factor exploratory structural equation modeling. Detachment-a psychopathology dimension conceptually linked to social functioning-was associated with worse social cognition, independent of general cognitive ability. Eccentricity and Machiavellianism were associated with better social cognition and general cognitive ability. Findings-and the hierarchical, dimensional approach employed-will be useful in informing future research on and interventions for social dysfunction.

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