Dimensional, non-taxonic latent structure of psychotic symptoms in a student sample

Introduction We examined the construct of psychosis using the self-report instrument CAPE (Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences) in a sample of 1,323 students. Materials and Methods Taxometric analysis was carried out using Taxometric Programs for the R Computing Environment. The MAXCOV CCFI was 0.34, indicating a dimensional latent structure. All other taxometric analysis yielded very similar results indicative of dimensional structure. Conclusion In this study, using powerful analytic techniques designed expressly for the purpose, i.e. taxometric analysis, the latent construct of psychosis in a sample of young students appeared to be consistent with a dimensional, non-taxonic latent structure.