Primary and secondary hypohedonia.

Having shown taxometrically that there exists a hypohedonic schizotypal taxon in a college population, J. J. Blanchard, S. W. Gangestad, S. A. Brown, and W. P. Horan (2000) suggested that P. E. Meehl erred in revising his 1962 theory by postulating a normal-range individual differences variable of hedonic capacity that potentiates schizotypy into schizophrenia. The aversive drift and secondary anhedonia of Meehl's theory imply that the schizotypal taxon will generate hypohedonic taxonicity in an adult population. Psychometrically measurable hedonic disposition (as distinguished from genetic primary hedonic capacity) is "dragged along" by the schizogene, especially in the social domain. To choose between causal interpretations, it could be ascertained whether the schizotypal anhedonic taxon is composed of individuals who are schizotaxic on the basis of psychophysiological, cognitive, and soft neurologic indicators.