Patterns and perceptions of face-to-face and digital communication in the clinical high risk and early stages of psychosis.
Digital communication can mitigate some of the challenges inherent in face-to-face communication; however, it is unclear whether this communication format is preferred among youth with emerging psychosis. Therefore, we examined characteristics of face-to-face and digital communication in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR; n = 19) or in the first episode of psychosis (FEP; n = 57), as well as age-matched community comparisons (n = 51). Participants completed a 25-item self-report questionnaire to assess between- and within-group differences in the frequency of, satisfaction with, and barriers to face-to-face and digital communication. Compared to controls, both clinical groups endorsed a lower frequency of face-to-face and digital interactions across a range of communication partners. Controls reported higher satisfaction and fewer challenges with both communication formats than CHR and FEP groups. No between-group differences were identified among clinical participants in characteristics of face-to-face and digital interactions. Youth at clinical high risk for, or in the first episode of, psychosis exhibited similar communication patterns and perceptions that significantly diverged from community controls. These findings highlight that reductions in the quality and quantity of social interactions extend to digital contexts, and that both communication formats are relevant clinical targets in the high risk and early stages of psychosis.
['Grossman|Michael J|MJ|', 'Woolridge|Stephanie|S|', 'Lichtenstein|Sidney|S|', 'McLaughlin|Danielle|D|', 'Auther|Andrea M|AM|', 'Carrión|Ricardo E|RE|', 'Cornblatt|Barbara A|BA|', 'Bowie|Christopher R|CR|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D016022:Case-Control Studies D003142:Communication D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007398:Interpersonal Relations D008297:Male D011618:Psychotic Disorders D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D055815:Young Adult
Clinical high risk First episode psychosis Information technology Social media Social support