ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The nature of the dimensionality of schizotypy, the latter's status as part of the spectrum of schizophrenic disease, and the wider issue about how best to view psychotic personality traits generally in relation to clinical psychosis. The chapter views on the term subsumes a range of approaches to studying psychotic like phenomena largely outside the clinic, but which have genuine relevance both inside and outside the clinical domain. It arranged around several themes that represent current concerns in schizotypy research, and there is a refreshing diversity of views contained therein. The chapter represents something of the balance of research in the field, it is nevertheless a regret that so-called 'benign' or 'healthy' schizotypy is not more substantially represented just as it must be in the general population.
