Project Details
Description
Background: The extended psychosis-proneness phenotype ranges in expression from minimal dysfunction (psychotic-like experiences) to
full-blown manifestations (schizophrenia). Psychosocial environmental (E) factors, in interaction with multiple genetic (G) factors, underlie
psychosis development. The classic model of diathesis-stress has exclusively focused on negative E, whereas the Differential
Susceptibility (DS) model suggests that the same genetic variants or traits involved in increasing the negative effects of adversity could
also be involved in enhancing the likelihood of benefiting from positive E. Thus, individuals traditionally considered to carry greater
vulnerability may be better conceptualized as having plasticity or greater susceptibility to E. Sensitivity to the E can be ascertained at a
genetic level, but also at a person-level (P) trait. Highly sensitive individuals show a deeper processing of external and internal stimuli,
driven by greater emotional reactivity, that would result in increased DS to both, positive and negative E. A major limitation of DS research
is the reliance on retrospective assessments of E. This project aims at expanding our initial validation of DS (PID2020-119211RB-I00) by
focusing on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to measure prospective E factors and within-person dynamic changes of individuals
symptoms and well-being.
Goals: To test the DS model and examine it fits the extended psychosis phenotype in a nonclinical sample. Specifically, the study aims at
1) improving measures of person-level sensitivity, at two levels i) developing a new EMA of real-life sensitivity measure, and ii) validation of
a novel self-reported measure of trait-sensitivity, 2) testing DS using polygenic markers (GxE), 3) testing DS at a person level (PxE) using
both EMA and trait assessments of sensitivity, 4) incorporating a mood induction paradigm within EMA to capture ecological emotional
reactivity, 5) examining whether there is a differential impact on positive, disorganized, and negative symptom dimensions of psychosis, 6)
examining the expression and dynamics of sensitivity in real-life, and 7) exploring associations of trait- and EMA-sensitivity and emotional
reactivity with creativity.
Methods: We will re-contact all participants with genetic and psychometric data (n=941) collected in the previous project to obtain 10-day
EMA data with the novel improvements, including the mood induction task. Additionally, we will collect data from n=1271 to validate the
new measure of trait sensitivity. All data will be obtained by means of the Qualtrics electronic survey system. Complex multilevel model
statistics will be performed to test DS.
Implications: Validation of the DS model would entail a paradigm shift in theorization and research practices, particularly in psychosis,
traditionally characterized by an engraved pessimism about therapeutic gains and recovery possibilities. This would support strategies that
focus on resilience-building rather than exclusively reducing risk for disorder, aligning to positive psychology claims. Specifically, findings
would inform novel empirically-based ecological momentary interventions (EMI) delivered through smartphones, contributing to more
widely available and inexpensive interventions. Acknowledging DS to the E has great implications for a diversity-aware society, including
healthcare, schools, workplaces and parenting.
full-blown manifestations (schizophrenia). Psychosocial environmental (E) factors, in interaction with multiple genetic (G) factors, underlie
psychosis development. The classic model of diathesis-stress has exclusively focused on negative E, whereas the Differential
Susceptibility (DS) model suggests that the same genetic variants or traits involved in increasing the negative effects of adversity could
also be involved in enhancing the likelihood of benefiting from positive E. Thus, individuals traditionally considered to carry greater
vulnerability may be better conceptualized as having plasticity or greater susceptibility to E. Sensitivity to the E can be ascertained at a
genetic level, but also at a person-level (P) trait. Highly sensitive individuals show a deeper processing of external and internal stimuli,
driven by greater emotional reactivity, that would result in increased DS to both, positive and negative E. A major limitation of DS research
is the reliance on retrospective assessments of E. This project aims at expanding our initial validation of DS (PID2020-119211RB-I00) by
focusing on Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to measure prospective E factors and within-person dynamic changes of individuals
symptoms and well-being.
Goals: To test the DS model and examine it fits the extended psychosis phenotype in a nonclinical sample. Specifically, the study aims at
1) improving measures of person-level sensitivity, at two levels i) developing a new EMA of real-life sensitivity measure, and ii) validation of
a novel self-reported measure of trait-sensitivity, 2) testing DS using polygenic markers (GxE), 3) testing DS at a person level (PxE) using
both EMA and trait assessments of sensitivity, 4) incorporating a mood induction paradigm within EMA to capture ecological emotional
reactivity, 5) examining whether there is a differential impact on positive, disorganized, and negative symptom dimensions of psychosis, 6)
examining the expression and dynamics of sensitivity in real-life, and 7) exploring associations of trait- and EMA-sensitivity and emotional
reactivity with creativity.
Methods: We will re-contact all participants with genetic and psychometric data (n=941) collected in the previous project to obtain 10-day
EMA data with the novel improvements, including the mood induction task. Additionally, we will collect data from n=1271 to validate the
new measure of trait sensitivity. All data will be obtained by means of the Qualtrics electronic survey system. Complex multilevel model
statistics will be performed to test DS.
Implications: Validation of the DS model would entail a paradigm shift in theorization and research practices, particularly in psychosis,
traditionally characterized by an engraved pessimism about therapeutic gains and recovery possibilities. This would support strategies that
focus on resilience-building rather than exclusively reducing risk for disorder, aligning to positive psychology claims. Specifically, findings
would inform novel empirically-based ecological momentary interventions (EMI) delivered through smartphones, contributing to more
widely available and inexpensive interventions. Acknowledging DS to the E has great implications for a diversity-aware society, including
healthcare, schools, workplaces and parenting.
Status | Active |
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Effective start/end date | 1/09/24 → 31/12/27 |