INVESTIGATES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHIZOTYPAL TRAITS AND CHILDHOOD TRAUMA.

[Name of the Student]

[Date]

AbstractThe study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of schizotypal traits. The O-life scale offers a thorough assessment by measuring specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with schizophrenia-related experiences. For the given study, the quantitative primary study was used to demonstrate the relationship between the variables using numeric values. The results of the given study show that by considering mean and standard deviation, further interpretation of the results is achieved. For schizotypal traits, the standard deviation is 15, and the mean is 42. This tells that the distribution is reasonably broad, reflecting high variability among participants. Childhood traumas mean he is 84 with a standard deviation of 17, indicating a widespread distribution of trauma levels in the sample. The conclusion shows that the results of the present report indicate no significant relationship between childhood trauma and schizotypal traits. Furthermore, looking at the present graph, recent findings suggest that there are specific mechanisms underlying the relationship between childhood trauma and schizotypal traits.

Contents

TOC o "1-3" h z u Abstract PAGEREF _Toc149760019 h 2Introduction PAGEREF _Toc149760020 h 4Background PAGEREF _Toc149760021 h 4Problem Statement PAGEREF _Toc149760022 h 8Aims and Objectives PAGEREF _Toc149760023 h 8Research Questions PAGEREF _Toc149760024 h 9Significance of the study PAGEREF _Toc149760025 h 9Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc149760026 h 10Conceptual Framework PAGEREF _Toc149760027 h 15Independent Variable Dependent Variable PAGEREF _Toc149760028 h 15Theoretical Framework PAGEREF _Toc149760029 h 16Methodology PAGEREF _Toc149760030 h 18Study Design PAGEREF _Toc149760031 h 19Participants PAGEREF _Toc149760032 h 20Demographics PAGEREF _Toc149760033 h 20Study Materials PAGEREF _Toc149760034 h 21Study Procedures PAGEREF _Toc149760035 h 22Results PAGEREF _Toc149760036 h 24Statistical justification PAGEREF _Toc149760037 h 25Discussion PAGEREF _Toc149760038 h 27Limitations PAGEREF _Toc149760039 h 29Future Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc149760040 h 30Intervention PAGEREF _Toc149760041 h 31Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc149760042 h 33References PAGEREF _Toc149760043 h 34Appendix PAGEREF _Toc149760044 h 40

Introduction

BackgroundChildhood trauma has been identified as a potential risk factor for the development of schizotypal traits and schizophrenia (Bailey et al., 2020). The link between childhood trauma and schizophrenia has been a subject of growing interest in the field of psychiatry and psychology (Bailey et al., 2020). Nagy et al. (2010) study suggests that schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that manifests with a range of symptoms, including disorganized thinking, speech, hallucinations, and delusions. These symptoms can vary in intensity and prominence among individuals and over time. The disorder typically emerges during young adulthood, with rare occurrences before adolescence or after middle age. The exact causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood (Tonini et al., 2022).

However, according to Guimond et al. (2016) research paper, verbal impairments in individuals with early childhood trauma have been observed to be connected to schizophrenia, shedding light on the intricate relationship between traumatic experiences and cognitive functioning. Guimond et al. (2016), in their clinical papers published in Neuroimaging, explored this connection, emphasizing the impact of trauma on brain structures involved in memory processing (Dauvermann & Donohoe, 2019). They found that early trauma experiences may disrupt the development and functioning of key brain regions, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for verbal memory (Guimond et al. 2016). The hippocampus is a brain region that has been implicated in the development of schizophrenia, although it is considered a relatively late addition to the understanding of the disorder (Nagy et al., 2010). It is important to note that not everyone who experiences early trauma in life will develop schizophrenia later in life (Hardy et al., 2023).

As a result of childhood trauma, approximately 1% of the world's population experiences schizophrenia, a complicated mental health illness (Bailey et al., 2020). According to research by Goghari and Harrower (2016), the link between traumatic experiences as a child and leading to schizophrenia later in life may be caused by several different biological pathways. For instance, stress-related changes in the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis have been linked to the emergence of both schizophrenia and childhood trauma (Zhang et al., 2023). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis is a critical neuroendocrine system involved in stress response regulation. It consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. When an individual perceives stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This cascade of events helps the body adapt to stressors. However, chronic or severe stress can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to detrimental effects on mental health (Kleber, 2019).

Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, can disrupt the developing brain and alter stress response systems, including the HPA axis. Children exposed to trauma may exhibit dysregulated cortisol levels, with Goghari and Harrower's (2016) studies reporting elevated cortisol levels in response to stressors (Murphy et al., 2022). This dysregulation may persist into adulthood and contribute to the development of schizophrenia. J. Read et al. (2005) research points out how individuals with traumatic experiences suffer from early age to later age in life. J. Read stated that child abuse has been consistently associated with increased severity of psychological disturbances, regardless of how severity is defined. Individuals who have experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) or childhood physical abuse (CPA) tend to exhibit earlier first admissions, longer and more frequent hospitalizations, extended periods of seclusion, higher medication and suicide attempts, and overall higher global symptom severity. Remarkably, in J. Read's study, childhood abuse was found to be a stronger predictor of suicidality in adults due to hallucinations or frequency of manic episodes (Caldirola et al., 2022).

In the past, the connection between social and environmental factors and the development of schizophrenia lacked well-defined mechanisms, which weakened the proposition. However, recent advancements in neuroscience and genetics have shed light on how social experiences throughout life interact with genes and influence biological traits, ultimately shaping adult outcomes. These insights have paved the way for the formulation of biological models that link adverse social experiences, including childhood trauma, to the development of schizophrenia in adulthood (Rivi et al., 2023). (Craig Morgan et al. 2006). Fisher et al. (2009) research stated that gender differences emerge as an essential consideration. For example, women who had sexual and physical abuse as children may exhibit higher levels of cortisol reactivity, hyperarousal, dissociation, and psychiatric symptoms in their pituitary-adrenal and autonomic responses to stress (Kraan et al., 2019). Fisher et al. (2009) studies suggest that there may be variations in how these factors interact based on gender. Fisher has also indicated that females with schizophrenia are more likely to report childhood trauma compared to males.

According to this paradigm, almost everyone is at some risk of developing schizophrenia at some point in life; however, whether a disorder will manifest or not depends on how external stressors interact with a person's underlying condition (Perez & Jones, 2021). Another example of the stress-diathesis model is when a person is under a lot of pressure, such as meeting academic exam deadlines, especially if they have a lot of diatheses; this might lead to the onset of schizophrenia issues (Nilsson et al., 2023). Traumatic life events, ongoing stress, poverty, interpersonal conflict, and prejudice are a few examples of environmental stressors that might cause schizophrenia later in life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, proposes that the early relationships and attachments formed between infants and their primary caregivers have a profound impact on their emotional and social development throughout life.

It suggests that the quality of these early attachments shapes an individual's internal working models, which influence their expectations, beliefs, and behaviors in future relationships. Attachment theory classifies attachment styles into three categories: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized (Hoenicka et al., 2022). A sense of safety, trust, and comfort in relationships characterizes secure attachment. Anxious-ambivalent attachment is related to heightened anxiety and fear of abandonment. Avoidant attachment involves a tendency to avoid closeness and emotional intimacy. Disorganized attachment is marked by confusion and conflicting behaviors in relationships, often resulting from unresolved trauma from early life or inconsistent caregiving.

Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding the potential influence of early attachment experiences on developing schizotypal traits later in life. Children who have experienced significant childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or inconsistent caregiving, may develop disrupted attachment patterns (Riggs, 2019). For example, they may exhibit disorganized attachment, which may relate to low or higher rates of schizotypal traits. Disorganized attachment patterns are believed to arise when a child faces contradictory or frightening behavior from their caregiver, leading to confusion and an inability to form a coherent strategy for dealing with distress. This disorganized attachment style has been linked to an increased vulnerability to developing schizotypal traits (Bretherton, I. 2013).

The Barker Hypothesis, on the other hand, also known as the development origins of health and disease (DOHaD) theory, proposes that adverse conditions during early development, particularly in utero and early childhood, can have long-term effects on an individual's health and well-being later in life (Jebasingh & Thomas, 2022).

The hypothesis was initially formulated to explain the relationship between low birth weight and an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The Barker Hypothesis also suggests that early life adversity, including traumatic experiences during childhood, may contribute to the development of schizotypal traits (Bianchi & Restrepo, 2022). Barker et al. (2013) studies have explored the potential links between prenatal exposure to specific teratogens and an increased risk of developing schizotypal traits later in life. For instance, prenatal exposure to infections, such as influenza, has been suggested as a potential risk factor for the development of schizotypal traits (Pugliese et al., 2019).

Maternal stress during pregnancy has also been investigated as a potential environmental risk factor that may affect fetal development and contribute to the emergence of schizotypal traits later in life. Phonological awareness refers to an individual's ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. It involves understanding that words are made up of smaller units of sound called phonemes and being able to identify, segment, blend, and manipulate these sounds. Phonological awareness is a critical skill for developing reading and literacy (Dean & Murray, 2022). There needs to be more research specifically examining the direct link between phonological awareness and these factors. However, both schizotypal traits and childhood trauma can potentially influence cognitive and language development, which may indirectly impact phonological awareness skills. Schizotypal traits are characterized by eccentric behaviors, odd or magical thinking, and perceptual abnormalities (Salin & Jackson, 2023).

While the exact mechanisms underlying the relationship between schizotypal traits and language abilities are not fully understood, Raine's (1991) studies suggest that individuals with higher schizotypal traits may exhibit subtle language and communication difficulties. These difficulties may involve challenges in expressive and receptive language skills, including somatic and pragmatic language processing. Childhood trauma, mainly when it involves neglect or disrupted caregiving, can also have a significant impact on language development. Language skills are typically acquired through social interactions (Newbury et al., 2020). When children experience trauma or neglect, their language development may be affected due to limited opportunities for language stimulation and impaired social interactions. Phonological awareness, as a component of language development, may be influenced by these variables. Difficulties in language processing and communication related to childhood trauma then led to schizotypal traits that could potentially impact phonological awareness skills (Raine,1991).

Many researchers have been interested in examining these two variables, including Smith et al. (2015). According to a previous paper by Smith et al. (2015), which conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the subject, analyzing data from numerous studies to gain a holistic understanding of the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma (Velikonja et al., 2019). Their findings suggested that there is a significant relationship between the two variables. Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to exhibit schizotypal traits later in life. Furthermore, Smith et al. (2015) proposed several mechanisms through which childhood trauma may contribute to the development of schizotypal traits. Smith suggested that early traumatic experiences might disrupt normal brain development, leading to alterations in neural circuits related to schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Problem Statement

Aims and Objectives

The study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of schizotypal traits. The O-life scale offers a thorough assessment by measuring specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with schizophrenia-related experiences.

To evaluate the factors affecting the comprehensive understanding of the schizotypal traits

To analyse the factors affecting the schizotypal characteristics in childhood and reflected in later life.

The impact of childhood trauma, which proceeds to the schizotypal characteristics

Research Questions

How do we evaluate the factors affecting the comprehensive understanding of schizotypal traits?

How do we analyse the factors affecting the schizotypal characteristics in childhood and reflected in later life?

What is the impact of childhood trauma, which proceeds to the schizotypal characteristics?

Significance of the study

This study is significant for psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to demonstrate the factors like childhood trauma leading to severe psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and schizotypal characteristics. This study is significant for the mental health societies in different countries to work on childhood trauma, which is leading to severe psychological problems. Study is significant to found that early trauma experiences may disrupt the development and functioning of key brain regions, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are crucial for verbal memory

Literature ReviewTrauma may also contribute to the formation of maladaptive coping strategies and negative self-beliefs, which are commonly observed in individuals with higher schizotypal traits. Building upon the work of Smith et al. (2015), Johnson & Brown (2018) conducted a longitudinal study to further investigate the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma (Metel et al., 2020). The researchers examined a sample of individuals who had experienced documented trauma during their childhood and assessed the presence of schizotypal traits at multiple time points throughout their lives. The results of their study revealed a significant positive correlation between childhood trauma and the later development of schizotypal traits. One interesting finding from the study by Johnson & Brown (2018) was the role of environmental factors in this connection. The researchers found that individuals who possessed a specific genetic vulnerability to psychosis were more likely to exhibit schizotypal traits in response to childhood trauma (Fekih-Romdhane et al., 2023).

This suggests that genetic predisposition can interact with environmental stressors, such as trauma, to increase the risk of developing schizotypal traits. Furthermore, Johnson & Brown (2018) explore potential mechanisms underlying these relationships. The researchers highlighted the potential role of cognitive mechanisms, suggesting that childhood trauma might contribute to the development of cognitive biases and difficulties resting, which are common in individuals with schizotypal traits (Dean and Murrey, 2022). Additionally, researchers proposed that the social isolation resulting from the combination of trauma and schizotypal traits might further exacerbate cognitive deficits and social imperilments. Smith and Johnson & Brown's evidence did not contradict the other studies that stated that different factors significantly connect the two variables. For example, Goghari and Harrower (2016) clearly state that the link between traumatic experiences as a child and leading to schizophrenia later in life may be caused by several different biological pathways (Popovic et al., 2019).

While Raine, (1991) added that phonological awareness may be connected to the development of schizophrenia later in life. According to Guimond et al. (2016) research paper, verbal impairments in individuals with early childhood trauma may lead to schizotypal traits later in life. This continues to build and add to more research interest (Vanova et al., 2021).

Thompson & Fleming (2013) pointed out that depth perception is a fundamental aspect of human vision that enables individuals to perceive the world in three dimensions. It allows individuals to judge distances accurately, perceive the relative positions of objects, and navigate the surroundings (Thompson & Fleming, 2013). Depth perception refers to the ability of the human visual system to perceive and interpret the spatial relationships between objects in the environment. It is primarily achieved by integrating various visual cues, including binocular and monocular cues. Binocular cues rely on the simultaneous input from both eyes to perceive depth. The most crucial binocular cue is binocular disparity, which arises because each eye has a slightly different view of the world due to its horizontal separation (Thompson et al., 2019). This disparity allows the brain to calculate the depth by comparing the differences in the images received by each eye. Monocular cues, on the other hand, can be perceived with one eye alone and provide depth information (Demmin et al., 2017).

These cues include perspective, relative size, overlapping, texture gradient, motion parallax, and aerial perspective. Perspective cues, such as the convergence of parallel lines, provide depth information based on the assumption that objects closer to the viewer appear larger. In contrast, those farther away appear smaller, which relates to schizotypal traits, as schizotypal traits refer to a personality organization characterized by eccentric behavior, cognitive distortions, and unusual perceptual experiences (Koye, 2019). Teicher & Samson's (2013) studies further explored the relationship between depth perception abnormalities from childhood trauma. Researchers have found that individuals with high levels of schizotypal traits tend to show impairments in in-depth perception tasks, specifically in tasks that require the integration of binocular cues. These findings suggest that disruptions in binocular disparity processing may contribute to the perceptual abnormalities observed in individuals with schizotypal traits (Thakkar et al., 2019).

Early childhood trauma refers to adverse experiences that occur during the developmental period, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or loss of a parent or caregiver (Bucciol & Zarri, 2020). These trauma events can have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental and physical well-being. Emerging research has highlighted a potential link between early childhood trauma and alterations in depth perception. Studies have shown that individuals who have experienced early trauma often exhibit deficits in various visual processing abilities, including depth perception (Bartlett & Smith, 2019). These deficits may be related to alterations in brain regions involved in visual processing, such as the occipital cortex and the parietal lobe. Perceptual abnormalities, including disturbances in in-depth perception, could potentially mediate the relationship between early childhood trauma and schizotypal traits. It is plausible that disruptions in in-depth perception contribute to the cognitive distortions and unusual perceptual experiences observed in individuals with schizotypal traits. Furthermore, alterations in in-depth perception may be influenced by the neurobiological changes resulting from early childhood trauma (Roberts et al., 2019).

Individuals with schizotypal traits may exhibit difficulties in theory of mind abilities. They may struggle to perceive and interpret the mental states of others accurately, leading to challenges in understanding social cues, intentions, and emotions. These difficulties may contribute to the social and interpersonal deficits often observed in individuals with schizotypal traits (Bamicha & Drigas, 2022). Childhood trauma can impact the theory of mind development. Studies have shown that children who have experienced trauma may exhibit deficits in theory of mind abilities, such as reduced empathy and perspective-taking skills. Traumatic experiences can affect the development of social cognition and impair the ability to understand and attribute mental states to oneself and others. While these potential connections exist, it is essential to emphasize that the relationship between theory of mind, schizotypal traits, and childhood trauma is complex and likely influenced by various factors, such as genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and individuals differences (Peterson et al., 2022).

Johnson & Morton's (1991). Please point out the link between atypical face perception and childhood trauma and its possible speculation on potential connections to schizotypal traits. Given that individuals with autism often exhibit atypical face perception, it is plausible that this perceptual difference may contribute to developing social and interpersonal deficits, which are also characteristic of schizotypal traits (Doell et al., 2020). Regarding childhood trauma, it is essential to note that the relationship between trauma and atypical face perception is not well-established in the literature. However, childhood trauma can lead to alterations in brain development and functioning, which may indirectly affect face perception abilities. These alterations could potentially contribute to atypical face perception in individuals with a history of childhood trauma (Johnson & Morton, 1991). While there is limited research on the direct relationship between atypical face perception and childhood trauma, then leading to schizotypal traits later in life, in the context of autism, it is reasonable to suggest that these may be potential connections. Neuro-divergence in childhood refers to various conditions that differ from typical neurodevelopment (Lebrn-Cruz & Orvell, 2023).

Two well-known forms of neurodivergence in childhood trauma are autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Both conditions have been extensively studied and documented, but their relationship with schizotypal traits and childhood trauma requires deeper exploration. ASD is a neurodevelopment disorder in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, which are characteristic of the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting an overlap between ASD and schizotypal traits. Individuals with ASD often exhibit characteristics such as isolation, eccentric behaviors, and cognitive anomalies that resemble those observed in individuals who have experienced childhood trauma and schizotypal personality disorder. Childhood trauma has been linked to the development and severity of ASD symptoms.

Johnson & Morton (1991) have shown that children with ASD are more likely to have experienced various forms of trauma, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. Furthermore, the presence of childhood trauma in individuals with ASD has been associated with increased behavioral and emotional difficulties, poorer adaptive functioning, and heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impact daily functioning and development. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopment conditions in childhood, with a substantial impact on academic, social, and emotional well-being (Metel et al., 2020).

Like ASD, ADHD also exhibits some overlap with schizotypal traits. For example, individuals with ADHD may display odd or eccentric behavior, unusual beliefs or magical thinking, and perceptual abnormalities, which are reminiscent of schizotypal personality traits (Cooper, 2022). Additionally, both ADHD and schizotypal traits share common neurobiological vulnerabilities, such as dysregulation in dopaminergic neurotransmitters and alterations in brain structure related to executive functioning and emotional regulation. Studies have reported a higher prevalence of childhood trauma among children diagnosed with ADHD and developing atypical (Klang et al., 2022).

The Johnson & Brown (2018) and Smith et al. (2015) research aligned with the above literature reviews. To explore more on how early life trauma can lead to schizotypal traits later in life in this present literature, two validated scales will be used to assess both schizotypal traits and childhood trauma.

There is a direct association between the strengths of trauma and schizotypal symptoms, so there is a need for additional research exploring other associations. So if the trauma, as well as the schizotypal symptoms, are directly associated, then some important rules are not possible to directly associate with several happenings by correlating with the other variables. Psychological trauma particularly child maltreatment, is the broader array of mental disorders. For example, the sequelae of psychological trauma and childhood maltreatment have been focused on the different forms of psychological distress and other personality disorders (Pearce et al., 2023). There is an example that the research has found that childhood maltreatment is directly associated with depressive disorder as well as borderline personality disorder. So, the experience of psychological trauma contributes towards the development of specific perceptions and beliefs, which have some accumulations by supporting the hypothesis. However, the degree to which psychological trauma is directly associated with schizophrenia is still not precise.

By focusing on the schizotypal traits and distinction from the SPD, as well as the emotional abuse and neglect, were reported to the specific schizotypal traits. This is in line with the presence of the results, which show that emotional abuse and neglect are also associated with positive as well as negative schizotypal traits, which show adversity in the development of the brain (Raine et al., 2021). The positive schizotypal traits are referred to as positive schizotypal, and this is frequently repeated psychotic experiences.

The O-life scale, specifically designed for evaluating schizotypal traits, will measure various aspects of schizotypal traits such as cognitive disorganization, unusual experiences, introverted anhedonia, and impulsive nonconformity. The study also intends to explore potential underlying processes that could explain how different forms of childhood trauma contribute to the emergence of schizotypal traits. Previous research by Mason et al. (2005) suggests that altered neurodevelopment and dysregulation of the stress response systems may play a role in developing schizotypal traits (Mason et al., 2005). By assessing these underlying mechanisms, the study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of schizotypal traits. The O-life scale offers a thorough assessment by measuring specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with schizophrenia-related experiences (Barrantes-Vidal, 2023).

This comprehensive approach distinguishes it from previous assessments focusing on only one or two aspects of schizotypal traits. Moreover, the O-life scale includes questions related to childhood trauma, which is significant because previous research by Morgan et al. (2007) indicates that individuals who have experienced childhood are more likely to develop schizotypal traits later in life (Airey et al., 2020).

According to Peter et al. (1999), the Trauma and Distress Scale is an essential instrument for assessing early trauma. This scale provides a comprehensive evaluation of how trauma affects a person psychologically, which helps to understand how trauma may influence the emergence of schizotypal traits (Forte et al., 2020). Peter et al. (1999) explain that compared to other measurement tools like the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) or the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Trauma and Distress Scale is unique in its focus on the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. While BSI and PANSS are useful for assessing symptom severity and specific aspects of schizotypal traits, they do not provide the same level of detail in assessing the impact of childhood trauma (Ered and Allman, 2019). In their research, Peter et al. (1999) used the Trauma and Distress Scale to assess participants' experiences of trauma and psychological distress (Toutountzidis et al., 2022). They found that childhood trauma was associated with higher levels of schizotypal features in non-clinical groups. By using the Trauma and Distress Scale, they were able to identify a significant relationship between trauma and schizotypal traits.

Trauma and Distress Scale has been used to identify possible precursors to the onset of schizophrenia (Peters et al., 1999). This suggests that childhood trauma, as measured by the scale, may be a contributing factor to the development of schizophrenia. Overall, the Trauma and Distress Scale provides a valuable tool for assessing the psychological effects of trauma and understanding its relationship to the emergence of schizotypal traits (Dizinger et al., 2022). Its comprehensive approach allows for a detailed examination of the impact of childhood trauma, which other scales may not capture as effectively (Peters et al., 1999). By utilizing validated scales and considering the impact of childhood trauma, this study aims to shed light on the relationship between childhood trauma and the development of schizotypal traits later in life (Morgan et al., 2007).

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

8572533020Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety

149542590805

152400162560Paranoid Thoughts

Paranoid Thoughts

47053508890Schizotypal Traits

Schizotypal Traits

230505011430Childhood Trauma

Childhood Trauma

454342510541017621251016000

16287754953000

21907573660Superstitions

Superstitions

Theoretical FrameworkAccording to the stress-diathesis concept, the emergence of schizophrenia is caused by a confluence of personal vulnerability factors or diatheses (Lupo, 2023). The stress-diathesis model is a theoretical framework that has significantly contributed to the understanding of schizophrenia. It posits that the development of these disorders results from a complex interplay between biological predispositions (diathesis) and environmental stressors. The model underscores the importance of both nature and nurture in shaping an individual's psychological well-being. The term ''diathesis'' refers to an individual's biological or genetic vulnerability to develop a particular mental health disorder (Joaquim et al., 2021). These vulnerabilities can encompass various factors, such as genetic mutations, neurotransmitter imbalances, or personality traits.

For example, someone with a family history of depression may inherit genetic predispositions that make them more susceptible to this disorder. On the other side of the equation is the stress component, which includes environmental factors that can trigger or exacerbate schizophrenia disorders. Stressors can be ongoing family conflict or work-related pressure. In the stress-diathesis model, these stressors are seen as catalysts that interact with an individual's diathesis to increase the risk of developing a schizophrenia disorder (Taylor et al., 2019). The heart of the stress-diathesis model lies in the interaction between the diathesis and stress components.

The more significant the diathesis, the less stress is required to trigger a schizophrenia disorder. Conversely, individuals with a lower diathesis may require more extreme or prolonged stressors to develop a disorder. For example, consider two individuals, one with a high diathesis for anxiety and another with a low diathesis. Suppose they both experience a stressful life event, like a job loss. In that case, the person with a high diathesis is more likely to develop an anxiety disorder in response to this stressor. The person with a low diathesis may find the same event distressing but not reach the threshold for a diagnosable disorder (Einstein, 2023).

MethodologyThis study aims to provide an overview of the present analysis, discuss the suitability of using "Qualtrics" and "SONA" for data collecting, and explain the selection of a correlation design with an effects size of 0.03. The survey approach was used to investigate these two elements. SONA, a platform frequently utilised by academic institutions to facilitate the connection between researchers and potential volunteers, was utilised to recruit participants. This type of data gathering is both practical and effective since it gives researchers access to a wide pool of willing participants for research initiatives. "Qualtrics," an online survey tool with data collecting features, was used to administer the survey. To begin with, it facilitates the dissemination and completion of surveys by removing the requirement for in-person presence and improving accessibility. There are no obstacles to participation since participants may finish the questionnaire whenever it is convenient for them.

Moreover, "Qualtrics" provides a private and secure environment for gathering data, protecting the identity and privacy of participants. Because of these characteristics, "Qualtrics" is a great tool for discussing delicate subjects like childhood trauma and "schizotypal" inclinations. An information sheet outlining the goals and parameters of the study was sent to participants prior to the start of the survey. It also notified participants of their rights and addressed any possible ethical issues. confidentiality in addition to their eagerness to take part. With their informed permission, each participant attested to their knowledge of the study and willingness to take part. This study's questionnaires most likely included validated assessments of early trauma and "schizotypal" features. These tools are widely used in research and have been well tested for validity and reliability using psychometric techniques. The goals of the study and the resources at hand would determine the specific measure that was used. The answers to these questions allowed the participants to self-report details regarding their early trauma experiences and "schizotypal" traits.

After completing the questionnaires, participants received a debriefing and were thanked for their time. The debriefing included an overview of the study's goals, emphasised the value of their involvement, and offered details on programmes or support groups available to those who have had childhood trauma or display "schizotypal" symptoms. This debriefing intended to reassure participants of their safety and provide them with useful information and help. The study was carried out between April and July, followed by a retest between September and November, establishing a specified timetable for data gathering. This time frame enables for the collecting of data from several individuals over a longer period of time, boosting the generalizability of the findings.

Given the nature of the research, a correlation design was adopted to investigate the link between schizotypal features and early trauma. The strength and direction of the association between these variables may be investigated using this methodology. The nonparametric correlation was conducted, specifically using Spearman's rho, because Nonparametric tests are more robust and do not rely on the assumptions, making them suitable for analysing data that may violate parametric assumptions. The two-tailed significance (Sig) indicates that the analysis examines the possibility of a relationship in both positive and negative directions. In addition, an effect size of 0.03 was given. The amount of the difference or link between variables is referred to as effect size. An effect size of 0.03 suggests a medium size in this circumstance. While medium impact sizes may appear modest, they might have practical or theoretical implications.

Study Design

The correlation design was chosen for this study to measure the degree of the relationship between childhood trauma and higher schizotypal traits in healthy individuals. This relationship can be positive which means an increase in one variable is related to an increase in the other or negative which means an increase in one variable is related to a decrease in the other. In this study, non-parametric, Spearman's rho was conducted due to assumptions not being met. Scatterplots were created to examine this relationship, Scatterplots can graphically represent direction, form, or strength.

For example, Direction: Positive correlation, for example, people who do more revision get higher exam results. Revising increases success. Negative correlation, for example, when more jabs are given, the number of people with flu fails. Flu jabs prevent flu. Form: the form world be linear if the researcher can imagine a straight line through the data points. Strength: the strength would be strongest if data points seem to follow the same pattern, but weak if data seem scattered which was in the case of the present experiment. The line of best fit was not inserted on this present graph because it was not required. The assumption of correlation was checked before data collection, for example, checked that the following are met, no outliers, Normal distribution, and Linear relationship between variables, for example, can the researcher imagine a strength line through the data points? and Homoscedasticity was examined.

ParticipantsDemographics

Participants were recruited from a variety of sources, including Staffordshire University, both undergraduate and postgraduate, community centres, mental health clinics, and social media. People between the ages of 18 and 65 who had experienced childhood trauma met the inclusion criteria. In terms of age, the greatest percentage belonged to:

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 1 Age

Age

45-54 44.83%

35-44 27.59%

18-24 13.78%

24-34 6.90%

55-64 6.90%

65 or older No participant

A convenience sample approach was used to choose participants. A total of 65 participants were chosen initially out of which 32 were removed owing to a change in survey structure, and three were removed because they refused to participate or did not finish the assignment. This puts the present trial to a close with 29 participants.

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 2 Gender

Gender

41.38% Females

55.17% Males

3.45% Preferred not to say

The racial distribution percentage is shown in the table below:

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 3 Racial Distribution

Racial Distribution

37.93% White

20.14% Black or American

24.14% American Indian or Alaska Native

6.90% Asian

3.45% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

6.90% Other

The data was collected during a four-month period. Participants took the online survey while remaining anonymous. The participant was advised to answer the questions truthfully and to the best of their abilities to guarantee the accuracy of the data. Participants were found via platforms such as SONA and Qualtrics. Certain inclusion/exclusion criteria were specified to assure the study's validity. For example, all people with no history of schizophrenia or serious depression. The impact size discovered in this study by SPSS analysis was 0.-3, indicating a medium effect size (Kelter, 2020). In addition to early trauma, additional variables may contribute to the development of "schizotypal" features. The study's power was calculated to be 0.36. A total of 90 individuals would be required to obtain a power of 0.8, which is normally sought for statistical significance. This suggests that the study was underpowered, which limited its potential to find significant correlations or effects.

Study Materials

The "O-Life" scale was used to examine "schizotypal" features, while the trauma distress scale was utilised to assess childhood trauma experiences. A correlation design analysis was utilised in the current experiment to investigate the link between "schizotypal" features and childhood trauma utilising quantitative research methodologies. Data collection was supported, and APA citing requirements were followed when writing about the scale utilised (Dizinger et al., 2022). The materials utilised in the correlation design analysis to study the association between "schizotypal" features and childhood trauma were carefully chosen to allow for reliable design analysis (Toutountzidis et al., 2022). The "O-Life scale" is a widely used and validated measure for assessing "schizotypal" characteristics in connection to schizophrenia symptoms (Jones, 2019). This scale has 103 items that assess many aspects of schizophrenia, including strange feelings, cognitive disorganisation, introversive anhedonia, and impulsive nonconformity. Each question is assessed on a "Yes or No" scale, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of schizophrenia (Dizinger et al., 2022). The study attempted to assess the presence and impact of childhood trauma, as well as to measure "schizotypal" characteristics (Toutountzidis et al., 2022). Childhood trauma experiences were evaluated using the trauma and distress measures. This scale comprises of 43 items that examine various sorts of delusional ideation questions. Participants were asked to rate the frequency and severity of each category of childhood trauma they had encountered (Dizinger et al., 2022). This allowed for a detailed assessment of childhood trauma experiences concerning schizotypal traits. Both scale scores were analysed and the equation implies that as the value of x (presumably childhood trauma) increases, the value of y (schizotypal traits) decreases.

Study ProceduresThe study procedures started with a group discussion in the classroom, outlining the learning outcomes of the module, content and activities, reading list, assessment, and study support. Key dates for the module, submission dates, and class discussion relating to different methods of writing a dissertation. For example, demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary research in an area of psychology and an independent ability to choose an appropriate research question. After that, the academic supervisor was allocated to each student. The academic supervisor first outlined the research questions, objectives, and methodology. The research project was accessed by participants in this study using SONA, an online platform often utilised for participant recruitment in academic research.

The surveys were delivered to the participants online using Qualtrics, a survey platform, once they had accessed the study. The surveys may be completed at the participants' leisure and in a private setting. Before beginning the surveys, participants were given an information sheet outlining the study's objectives and methods. The information page also included potential ethical concerns, like as secrecy and voluntary involvement. Participants were assured that their information would be kept anonymous and would only be used for research reasons. They were also informed of their freedom to withdraw from the research at any moment without penalty. Participants were asked to offer informed consent to participate in the research after reviewing the information sheet. Participants declared their desire to participate in the study and complete the surveys by submitting consent.

The surveys measured schizotypal features as well as early trauma. Participants were asked to answer a series of questions and scales on these constructs. The entire research took around 15 minutes, from obtaining consent to completing the surveys. Participants were thanked for their time and involvement after completing the surveys. They were subsequently given a debriefing statement that outlined the study's goals and gave more information regarding schizotypal features and childhood trauma support groups or services. This debriefing intended to ensure that participants understood the goal of the study and to address any issues or questions that may have occurred throughout the participation process.

ResultsIn the current investigation, relevant measures were used to account for the influence of early trauma and the development of schizotypal features later in life. The dependent variable (y) was plotted against the independent variable (x) in a scatter plot analysis. The equation of the best fit line was found to be y = 65 + (66 - 0.28x). This equation implies a nonlinear connection between the variables, with an increase in x resulting in a rise in y.

Outliers were identified as any data point that varied considerably from the overall trend of the data. In examining the outliers, the assumption of homogeneity suggests that the relative impacts of traumatic events on development can vary dramatically depending on personal factors, an idea that remains contentious. Homogeneity was evaluated to determine if the spread of data points remains consistent along the line of best fit. For example, If the spread is consistent, it suggests that the relationship between the variables is constant across the range of values. Conversely, if the spread varies, it indicates that the relationship may differ across different regions of the plot as shown in the graph. appendix 1. The data points were examined to determine if they are equidistant along the line of best fit. If the data points are equally spaced along the line, it indicates a consistent relationship between the variables. However, if the data points are clustered in certain areas or show uneven spacing, it suggests a non-linear relationship, which aligns with the present scatter plot. The best-fit line serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, it visually represents the overall trend and relationship between the variables. It provides a concise summary of the data points and helps identify any patterns or deviations from the expected relationship. Secondly, it allows for predictions or estimations of y values based on given x values. By extending the line beyond the observed data points, one can make reasonable estimates of the dependent variable for values of the independent variable that were not part of the original data set. Regrettably, the present scatterplot shows a weak correlation which does not require a best-fit line. As shown in the scatter plot, a weak relationship means that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to decrease. The nonlinear aspect suggests that the relationship does not follow a straight line but instead exhibits a scattered pattern.

The decision to conduct nonparametric correlations using Spearman's rho was examined. It was used because the data violated the assumptions of parametric tests, for example, when the data are not normally distributed, all z scores were not within +/-3, the histogram also shows a not distributed in each condition, and the scattergram shows no homoscedasticity. In this case, the researcher may have determined that the variables being studied did not meet the assumptions required for parametric correlation analysis.

Statistical justificationrho (27) = -.178, p = .357, two tailed.

r2 = -178* -178 = 31, 684

31, 684* 100 = - 3. This is a negative effect size according to Cohen (McLeod, 2019).

Power is .36. given the effect size, to achieve a power of at least 0.8. 90 participants would be needed.

The statistical justification indicates that the correlation coefficient (rho) was calculated to be -0.178 with a p-value of 0.357 (two-tailed). The negative sign of the correlation coefficient suggests a negative relationship. Additionally, the p-value of 0.357 indicates that the observed correlation is not statistically significant at the conventional significance level (e.g., p<0.05).

To determine the effect size of the relationship, Cohen's d was calculated. The effect size was -3, based on Cohen's guidelines from 1988 (McLeod, 2019). A negative effect size suggests a larger magnitude of schizotypal traits related to childhood trauma. A retrospective power analysis was conducted to determine the statistical power of the study. The analysis indicated that the power of the study was .36, which is relatively low. It was determined that 90 participants would be required to achieve a desired power of .8, which is considered acceptable in research. Given the non-significant correlation and low power of the study, the results suggest that there is no significant relationship between the variables in the sample of 29 participants. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to provide more robust and reliable conclusions regarding the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma.

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 4 Nonparametric correlation table: Appendix 2

schizotypal Traits childhood trauma

Spearmans rho schizotypal Traits Correlation Coefficient 1.000 -. 178

Sig. (2-tailed) .357

N 29

Statistical justification: rho (27) = -.178, p = .357, two-tailed.

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 5 childhood trauma Correlation

childhood trauma Correlation Coefficient -178 1.000

Sig. (2-tailed) .357 N 29 29

Statistical justification: rho (27) = -.178, p = .357, two-tailed

By considering mean and standard deviation, further interpretation of the results is achieved. For schizotypal traits, the standard deviation is 15 and the mean is 42. This tells that the distribution is reasonably wide, reflecting high variability among participants. childhood trauma's mean is 84 with a standard deviation of 17, indicating a widespread distribution of trauma levels in the sample.

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 6 Descriptive Statistics Table: Appendix 3

N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

schizotypal Traits 29 9 85 42.48 14.793

childhood trauma 29 58 127 83.83 16.772

Valid N (listwise) 29

DiscussionThe study aims to present experimental information regarding the relationship between childhood trauma and schizotypal traits. It employs statistical methods and presents findings that raise questions about the nature of this relationship. In this analysis, the researcher will delve into the key aspects of the study, including data presentation, statistical justification, effect size, power analysis, and the use of nonparametric correlations. Additionally, the present analysis will discuss whether similar conclusions have been drawn in previous research (Velikonja et al., 2019). The scatter plot equation y = 65 0.28*x suggests a linear relationship between the variables. This equation implies that as the value of x (presumably childhood trauma) increases, the value of y (schizotypal traits) decreases. The reported correlation coefficient is rho (27) = -0.178, with a p-value of 0.357. A correlation coefficient of 0.178 indicates a weak negative correlation between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. however, the p-value suggests that this correlation is not statistically significant at the conventional significance level of 0.05. this lack of statistical significance means that the observed correlation could be due to chance, and further investigation is needed to draw meaningful conclusions.

The effect size, reported as 3 based on Cohen's 1988 guidelines, implies a moderate impact of childhood trauma on schizotypal traits. Effect sizes provide information about the magnitude of the relationship and are useful for interpreting the practical significance of the findings. In this case, negative effect size suggests that higher levels of childhood trauma are associated with greater schizotypal traits. The retrospective power analysis indicates a power of 0.36, suggesting that the study has a low probability of detecting a true effect if it exists. Furthermore, he suggested a sample size of 90 participants for a power of 0.8 indicating that a larger sample is needed to increase the study's ability to detect any significant relationships between the variables. The standard deviations and means are reported for both schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. These statistics provide information about the variability and central tendency of the data. In this case, the standard deviation for schizotypal traits is 15, with a mean of 42 based on a sample size of 29 individuals. For childhood trauma, the mean is 84, accompanied by a standard deviation of 17, also based on a sample size of 29 participants. These statistics help to describe the distribution of the data and provide context for the analysis.

The choice to conduct nonparametric correlations, specifically using Spearmans rho, suggests that the data may not meet the assumptions of parametric tests, such as normal distribution or interval-level measurement. Nonparametric tests are more robust and do not rely on these assumptions, making them suitable for analysing data that may violate parametric assumptions. The two-tailed significance (Sig) indicates that the analysis examines the possibility of a relationship in both positive and negative directions. However, there are several potential explanations for the results obtained. The weak and non-significant correlation between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma may indicate that other factors, not accounted for in the analysis, play a more substantial role in the development of schizotypal traits. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors beyond childhood trauma, or interactions between various factors may contribute to the manifestation of schizotypal traits, which did not align with the research paper by Thomas et al. (2022) who conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the subject, analysing data from numerous studies to gain a holistic understanding of the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. Their findings suggested that there is a significant relationship between the two variables.

Building upon the work of Memis et al. (2020), conducted a longitudinal study to further investigate the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. The researchers examined a sample of individuals who had experienced documented trauma during their childhood and assessed the presence of schizotypal traits at multiple time points throughout their lives. The results of their study revealed a significant positive correlation between childhood trauma and the later development of schizotypal traits. One interesting finding from the study by Raine et al. (2021) was the role of genetic and environmental factors in this relationship. The study found that "schizotypal" symptoms are more likely to appear in response to childhood stress in those with a particular genetic predisposition to psychosis (Raine et al., 2021). This supports the present findings by demonstrating how genetic predisposition may combine with environmental pressures like trauma to increase the likelihood of developing "schizotypal" traits. A large amount of research has shown a connection between different types of "childhood trauma" and "schizotypal" traits; notable discoveries have been made in reputable studies such as Velikonja et al. (2019). Although there is some evidence that trauma has a unique impact on "schizotypal" traits, emotional abuse and neglect stand out as two particularly significant predators, the overall result is yet uncertain. The results of this study, however, show no connection at all between "schizotypal" traits and early trauma.

Findings also indicates that the association between "childhood trauma" and "schizotypal" features in the current graph is the result of many causes. While childhood maltreatment (including emotional, physical, and general abuse) appears to be associated with largely positive "schizotypal" features, neglect, on the other hand, has been connected to both good and negative "schizotypal" attributes. These disparities may be explained by the specific impact of each form of stress on the developing brain, with neglect being associated with more severe cognitive and psychosocial consequences. Moreover, there is evidence of specificity when it comes to schizotypal traits. Emotional maltreatment has been specifically related to schizotypal traits, whereas sexual abuse has shown a broader correlation with generalised schizotypal traits. However, another study reported that physical and sexual abuse was related to higher levels of paranoia/suspiciousness and unusual perceptual experiences, while emotional maltreatment in childhood did not show a relationship with experiences. Individuals who experience paranoia and suspiciousness were also found to have high levels of negative self-beliefs, negative beliefs about others, anxiety, and depression, which contribute to the development of paranoid ideation.

In terms of the take-home message, it is challenging to ascertain a clear conclusion from the analysis. The weak negative correlation and lack of statistical significance suggest a limited relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma in the given sample. The effect size and retrospective power analysis also raise concerns about the study's ability to detect meaningful effects. Therefore, the analysis does not strongly support the study's objective of establishing a significant relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. The analysis provided some statistical measurements and findings related to the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. However, without a clear objective, the study's success in meeting its objective is uncertain. The statistical hypothesis was not supported due to the weak correlation and lack of statistical significance (Velikonja et al., 2019).

LimitationsIn terms of limitations, several aspects should be considered, because the study's limitations principally rested in its observational nature, and the small sample size of 29 participants raises concerns about the representativeness and generalisability of the findings. This means that a larger sample size would be more robust and provide more reliable results. The ability to detect a statistically significant association would have been enhanced by recruiting a larger sample population, implementing a longitudinal design, or conducting a randomised controlled trial.

Furthermore, the study had a major limitation relied on cross-sectional and nonparametric correlations. Consequently, the research cannot establish causality between the variables, and there is still a need for longitudinal research to investigate the origins of schizophrenia concerning trauma. Although nonparametric correlation reporting may have its drawbacks, it remains valuable in the absence of alternative methods as the research strives to unravel the ending consequences of trauma. Another limitation in this analysis was the high level of co-morbidity across O-life and trauma and distress scales. Previous research has shown a significant positive correlation between childhood trauma and the later development of schizotypal traits. The study by Thomas et al. (2022) was about the role of genetic and environmental factors in this relationship. The researchers found that individuals who possessed a specific genetic vulnerability to psychosis were more likely to exhibit schizotypal traits in response to childhood trauma. This problem of co-morbidity is one reason that researchers have called for a change in the schizotypal traits diagnostic system.

Previous research has also focused on finding underlying characteristics that may lead to the convergence of schizophrenia and schizotypal features, such as internalising symptoms, externalising symptoms, and emotional dysregulation. The purpose of this study was not to look just at the association between childhood trauma and the emergence of schizophrenia and schizotypal features, as this is an uncommon occurrence. Rather, the researchers hoped to shed light on the relevance of schizotypal characteristic symptoms in highly and minimally traumatised individuals in order to improve their knowledge of trauma and its repercussions. The researcher used a sample with constant homogeneity in terms of schizotypal features as well as early trauma. The researcher was able to study the association between childhood trauma and schizotypal features in a highly and low traumatised population using this sample (Dizinger et al., 2022).

Future RecommendationsFuture study should address these apparent limitations by increasing the sample size, looking at potential confounding variables including socioeconomic position and genetic vulnerability, and assuring a fair representation of diverse demographics. Furthermore, qualitative methods like as interviews or focus groups can be used to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of the experiences and viewpoints of people with schizotypal features and childhood trauma. Qualitative data may supplement quantitative findings by providing significant insights.

Future research can also address the methodological limitations of previous studies and further investigate the intricate relationship between childhood trauma and schizotypal traits. Exploring the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this link could provide valuable insights into the etiology of schizophrenia symptoms and, subsequently, schizotypal trait disorders. Prioritising the examination of schizotypal, which serves as a framework for identifying fundamental aspects of vulnerability to schizophrenia before the onset of further illness, could have significant implications for clinical connection and treatment planning. Importantly, since childhood trauma is a risk factor for various forms of psychopathology later in life, early intervention efforts may be crucial in preventing the progression to future mental health issues.

Using multivariate analysis instead of examining the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma using a simple linear regression equation, consider employing multivariate analysis techniques such as multiple regression or structural equation modelling. These methods can account for multiple variables simultaneously and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship. Consider longitudinal designs; since childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects, consider using a longitudinal design to examine the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma over time. Longitudinal data can provide more robust evidence of causality and shed light on the temporal dynamics of the relationship.

Explore alternative statistical tests; while the researcher mentioned using nonparametric correlation (Spearman's rho), it may also be beneficial to employ additional statistical tests to supplement the analysis. For example, researchers could consider using bootstrapping or mediation analysis to examine potential mediating factors between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma. Including a control group, to better understand the relationship between schizotypal traits and childhood trauma, consider including a control group of individuals without schizotypal traits. This can help establish a baseline and provide a comparison for the group with schizotypal traits.

InterventionChildren can experience various traumatic events that may require therapy to address the emotional and psychological impact. These incidents can include the death of a parent, surviving a major accident, or enduring several traumatic occurrences in various caregiving settings. To help the healing process, therapists dealing with traumatised children must build a supportive and trustworthy connection. Therapists must provide a secure environment for children to review and process their traumatic experiences. This entails assisting youngsters in dealing with disturbing memories, making meaning of their experiences, and finding hope for the future (Toutountzidis et al., 2022).

ConclusionOverall, the researcher's understanding of psychology has grown substantially over the last few decades, thanks to new research and unique views. The association between childhood trauma and the beginning of schizotypal symptoms in an individual has been a major topic of attention (Jones, 2019). The current study intends to dive into the association by methodically examining data using statistical methods, seeking to determine the potential consequences of childhood trauma on the prevalence and severity of schizotypal features. Furthermore, modern research has indicated that schizotypal features, which are classed as schizoid spectrum illnesses, frequently appear as a predisposition for extreme social anxiety, distorted thought patterns, and paranoid belief (Toutountzidis et al., 2022). The complexities of such characteristics generate a number of issues concerning their underlying origins and contributory variables.

The role of childhood trauma or the trauma experienced in the early years of life, as many research findings suggest, can have significant repercussions in adulthood (Thomas et al., 2022). Childhood trauma ranges from physical and emotional abuse to neglect and exposure to violence, all of which can induce severe psychological stress and possibly predispose an individual to various mental health disorders later in life, including schizotypal traits. The current statistical results, a closer examination of the data reveals a correlation coefficient (rho) value of 0.178 - a weak negative correlation and a p-value of 0.357. However, this p-value does not meet the usual statistical significance threshold of 0.05 (McLeod, 2019). It hints towards a possible link between childhood trauma and schizotypal trait development. Having said that, the effect size, determined by Cohen's guidelines, was 3, further suggesting the negative relationship. A power analysis was conducted to evaluate the retrospective power of this study. The results indicated a power value of 0.36, suggesting that a larger sample size of 90 participants would be required to achieve a power of 0.8, a universally accepted standard to guarantee the reliability of the results (Velikonja et al., 2019).

While the statistical analysis does not conclusively establish a firm correlation between childhood trauma and later development of schizotypal traits, it nonetheless illuminates the potential negative relationship between the two variables. Therefore, further research with larger sample sizes and control variables would be required to solidify these findings and explore the influence of other developmental factors on schizotypal traits.

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AppendixGraph

Custom Tables

Mean Standard Deviation

schizotypal Traits 42 15

Childhood Truama 84 17

Descriptive Statistics

N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

schizotypal Traits 29 9 85 42.48 14.793

childhood trauma 29 58 127 83.83 16.772

Valid N (listwise) 29

Explore

Case Processing Summary

Cases

Valid Missing Total

N Percent N Percent N Percent

schizotypal Traits 29 100.0% 0 0.0% 29 100.0%

childhood trauma 29 100.0% 0 0.0% 29 100.0%

schizotypal Traits

childhood trauma

Nonparametric Correlations

Correlations

schizotypal Traits childhood trauma

Spearman's rho schizotypal Traits Correlation Coefficient 1.000 -.178

Sig. (2-tailed) . .357

N 29 29

Childhood Truama Correlation Coefficient -.178 1.000

Sig. (2-tailed) .357 .

N 29 29

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INVESTIGATES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHIZOTYPAL TRAITS AND CHILDHOOD TRAUMA.

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