Functional hemispheric asymmetry and nicotine dependency as variables mediating neurobiological vulnerability to schizotypy in a non-clinical population of college students

In the present study, schizotypal personality traits and their neuropsychological correlates were examined amongst a non-clinical sample, so as to gain insight into the variables mediating neurobiological vulnerability to schizotypy. To that effect, 50 young adults completed the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence, the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire, and a dichotic listening task. Analyses revealed a significant right-hemisphere dominance association to positive schizotypy, and a left-hemisphere dominance association to negative schizotypy. Nicotine dependence emerged as a significant correlate of positive and overall schizotypy, and left-hemisphere dominance. Gender-based interactions were significant for females on positive schizotypy, nicotine dependence and right-hemisphere dominance, and on negative schizotypy for males. The findings of this study can be used to advance our understanding of the factors of risk and resilience in the schizophrenia spectrum.