Gender differences in the experience of psychotic-like experiences and their associated factors: A study of adolescents from the general population

“Psychotic-Like Experiences” (PLEs) are common in the general population. While they usually transient and resolve spontaneously, can be distressing signify increased risk for later psychosis or other psychopathology. It is important to investigate factors associated with PLEs which could targeted reduce their prevalence impact. Males females known experience differently, but any gender differences relationships between other, potentially targetable, currently unknown. 302 adolescents (175 females, mean age = 16.03, SD 0.75; 127 males, 16.09, 0.74) from secondary schools West Midlands region of UK completed baseline self-report measures positive PLEs, measured by Community Assessment Psychic Experiences (CAPE-P), several related including: cannabis use, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, daily hassles. were this sample, 67.5% individuals experiencing at least one CAPE-P item ‘often’ ‘almost always’. Females reported significantly higher levels distress, than males. Anxiety, depressive, stress symptoms similarly both genders. However, there was a significant interaction hassles association PLEs. In summary, sample. Although more had stronger Thus, addressing “daily life stress” may require tailoring towards emotional perception everyday