Latent profiles of apathy in the general population: Associations with psychopathology and functioning

Apathy is a multidimensional construct associated with functional impairments across neuropsychiatric disorders and the general population. While distinct apathy subtypes have been reported, its heterogeneity remains insufficiently understood, particularly in relation to psychosis-spectrum traits and functioning. Latent profile analysis was conducted in a representative community sample (N=1,200) using three apathy dimensions assessed by the Apathy Motivation Index (behavioral, social, emotional). Identified profiles were compared on social and occupational functioning, psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), depression, and anhedonia, with additional analyses adjusting for affective symptoms. Demographic predictors of profile membership were examined using exploratory logistic regression. A two-profile solution provided the best fit, reflecting differences in overall apathy severity rather than qualitatively distinct subtypes. The elevated apathy profile (17.2% of the sample) showed significantly higher levels of PLEs (p