Date Approved

4-6-2022

Embargo Period

4-7-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Thomas Dinzeo, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Stacey Cahn, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Steven Brunwasser, Ph.D.

Committee Member 3

Seoyeon Hong, Ph.D.

Keywords

Adolescents, Schizotypy, Technology

Subject(s)

Schizophrenia

Disciplines

Psychiatry and Psychology

Abstract

The diathesis stress model for schizophrenia posits that genetics and prenatal factors confer vulnerability (diathesis) for mental illness which then may be activated through exposure to environmental stressors during life. One component of our contemporary environment involves technology use which has demonstrated risk and beneficial capabilities in regards to the schizophrenia spectrum. Using an online and in-person survey, this study aimed to elucidate the manner in which time spent on technology related to schizotypy, problematic technology use (PTU), and health behaviors in 227 undergraduate students (aged 18-30). We hypothesized that levels of schizotypy, as well as time spent on social media and video games would predict increased problematic technology use and decreased engagement in health behaviors. We also hypothesized that time spent on health technologies (e.g. Fitbit) would predict decreased problematic technology use and increased engagement in health behaviors. After hierarchical linear regressions, levels of schizotypy predicted both increased problematic technology use and decreased engagement in health behaviors. Time spent on social media and video games predicted decreased engagement in health behaviors, while time spent on health technologies did not predict our outcome variables. Additional findings, implications, and further discussion on these topics are presented throughout the manuscript.

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