Date Approved

6-11-2021

Embargo Period

6-11-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Thomas Dinzeo, PhD

Committee Member 1

Steven Brunwasser, PhD

Committee Member 2

Katherine Gotham, PhD

Keywords

Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis, Social Cognition, Social Relationship Perception, Stigma, Theory of Mind

Subject(s)

Psychoses--Diagnosis

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology

Abstract

The clinical high-risk (CHR) state for psychosis has been established in order to prevent the transition to full psychosis; however, demonstrates a high false positive rate (Fusar-Poli et al., 2012). Consequently, many CHR individuals may face increased labeling and symptom-related stigmatization through accessing early intervention services (Yang et al., 2015). As a result, CHR individuals may employ negative coping responses (Link et al., 1989) and exhibit increased social preoccupation in order to help conceal their mental health status (Link et al., 2015), which may hinder social cognitive ability and have lasting impacts on social functioning. This study aimed to delineate potential mechanisms by which social cognition, stigma and social functioning are related in 173 individuals labeled as CHR. Pearson correlations, mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed. Theory of Mind (ToM) and social relationship perception both differentially related to labeling and symptom stigma. Labeling secrecy and symptom discrimination mediated the relationship between ToM and social functioning and endorsement of a non-psychotic impact status moderated the relationship between ToM and labeling discrimination, which may indicate the presence of stigma resistance. This study offers a nuanced view of stigma processes as related to social cognition and social functioning, which could improve CHR intervention specificity.

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