Exploring the relationship between hedonic capacity and schizotypy quantitatively using the reinforcer sensitivity theory

Abstract

The current project aims to resolved paradoxical findings in regards to the role of anhedonia in schizotypy. To achieve this, the current project has two main objectives. The first part of the current project aims to address the concern of the limitations of measurement tools used in previous studies by constructing a measurement tool of hedonic capacity, based on reinforcer sensitivity. The stimulus chase task (SCT) was used to extract sensitivity measures for gain versus loss, and approach versus avoidance.The second part of the project was to examine the interplay between self-report hedonic capacity measures (focusing on experience in relation to pleasurable or punishing events), SCT measures (focusing on reinforcers sensitivity), schizotypy and neuropsychological measures. This was achieved via different analysis methodologies, including correlation, ANOVA, and factor analysis. For the first part of the project, a novel quantitative measurement for hedonic capacity were obtained via modelling. The results also suggest a revision to the conventional law of effect equation. The analysis of the second part of the project lead to suggestion of revisions that are in-line with the real life phenomena of interest such as the positivity bias and negativity bias, which are themselves ratios, even if not going so far as to separate all the independent values required of RST-5 (including conflict sensitivity).