Schizotypy and patterns of lateral asymmetry on hemisphere-specific language tasks

Following the notion that abnormalities of hemispheric asymmetry may underl ie schizophrenia., patterns of cognitive hemispheric asymmetries, as assess ed by left and right hemisphere language tasks, were examined in relation t o schizotypal symptoms. Ninety right-handed undergraduates completed the Ox ford- Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences questionnaire (O-LIFE ; Mason, O., Claridge, G., Jackson, M., 1995. New scales for the assessment of schizotypy. Personality and Individual Differences, Vol. 53, pp. 727-73 0), which measures different aspects of schizotypy symptomatology. Low scor es on right, but not left, hemisphere language tasks were significant predi ctors of high scores on positive schizotypal symptomatology scales (Unusual Experiences and the STA) over and above the contributions of the left hemi sphere language tasks and demographic variables. Low scores on both left an d right hemisphere language tasks were significant predictors of high score s on the Cognitive Disorganisation factor, over and above the contributions of tasks related to the contralateral hemisphere and demographic variables . Neither the right nor the left hemisphere language tasks resulted in a si gnificantly good degree of prediction of introvertive anhedonia (an index o f negative schizotypal symptomatology) or impulsive non-conformity. The fin dings provide partial support for some current theories of hemispheric diff erences in schizophrenia and schizotypy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.