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Fluctuating asymmetry and schizotypy: a timeline of developmental disruptions

Zuidhoek, Ivan A. and Hall, Donald and Christensen, Niels and Steele, Jenessa Fluctuating asymmetry and schizotypy: a timeline of developmental disruptions. 2015. Radford University, Thesis. Radford University Scholars' Repository.

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Abstract

The present study was designed to test if different indexes of fluctuating asymmetry (FA), each comprised of traits specific to certain periods of development, could be used to test in which of these spans individuals are vulnerable to the genetic and environmental stress factors that have been associated with the onset of the symptoms of schizotypy. Three FA indexes, composed of skeletal, facial, and dermatoglyphic features, were created. The individual traits that comprise these indexes were measured either from digital photographs taken of participants, or were directly measured via digital calipers. The participants’ level of schizotypal symptoms was assessed via the short form version of the Wisconsin Schizotypy scales. Two way (Sides x Individuals) ANOVA tests found that FA was significantly greater than measurement error for all traits examined. However, the presence of significant directional asymmetry (DA) led to the exclusion of several traits from the total indexes. Correlational analysis found none of the resulting indexes to be significantly associated with scores on the Wisconsin Schizotypy scales. A small sample size, exacerbated by missing data for specific traits is considered the most likely cause of this lack of association. Keywords: Fluctuating Asymmetry, Developmental Instability, Schizotypy.

Item Type: Thesis
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Radford University > College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences > Department of Psychology
Date Deposited: 01 Aug 2016 17:24
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2023 18:21
URI: http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/245

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