Date Approved

5-18-2023

Embargo Period

5-22-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Thomas Dinzeo, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Lisa Abrams, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Steven Brunwasser, Ph.D.

Committee Member 3

Anastasia Bullock, Psy.D.

Committee Member 4

Mehmet Uygur, Ph.D.

Keywords

Delusional Ideation, Dimensionality, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Physical Health, Schizophrenia Spectrum, Trandiagnostic Factors

Subject(s)

Mental illness--Diagnosis; Schizophrenia

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

The ways in which we classify mental health symptoms are closely tied to etiological understandings and interventions. While prominent diagnostic systems are categorical in nature, dimensional and transdiagnostic conceptualizations may provide increased precision and specificity that are more representative of “real-world” symptom presentations. The intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), an aversive state formed in reaction to the fear of the unknown, may have transdiagnostic value across mental and physical health. The current study sought to examine dimensionality across traditionally distinct symptoms and the transdiagnostic role of IOU across physical and mental health through the lens of the schizophrenia spectrum with an undergraduate student (n=433) and clinical sample (n=4). Evidence emerged for dimensional relationships that are consistent with the theoretical schizoaffective and schizo-obsessive spectrums. There was support for IOU as a transdiagnostic factor, especially within constellations of control and negative affectivity. While diagnoses such as asthma and diabetes appeared to be poor proxy measures of physical health, somatic symptom burden and respiratory symptoms formed unique relationships with mental health and IOU. Future research should continue to examine physical and mental health from integrated perspectives and establish thresholds to better determine what constitutes a transdiagnostic factor of health.

Download

Share

COinS