The relationship of categorical and phonological verbal fluency to negative schizotypy and social functioning in a non-clinical sample

Introduction: Research suggests that levels of schizotypy are related to cognitive and social functioning, with negative schizotypy being particularly related to deficits in verbal fluency (VF) and distinct social skills. Considering the possibility that different VF tasks may involve both shared and unique underlying processes, this study sought to examine the separate contributions of categorical and phonological forms of VF to social functioning in those with varying levels of negative schizotypy. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted in which 228 college students completed VF tasks, the SPQ-BR, and a social functioning questionnaire. Results: Both phonological and categorical VF were inversely related to levels of negative schizotypy and inversely related to several social functioning domains. High and low levels of negative schizotypy groups were significantly different on elements of social engagement and interpersonal behaviour. In two instances, phonological VF appeared to moderate the relationships between negative schizotypy and specific elements of social functioning. Conclusions: These findings support a general link between verbal processing and social functioning among those with greater negative schizotypy. Possible avenues of future research are discussed.