Perception of Self and Other in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Abstract Two hypotheses about possible anomalies of self and interpersonal perception in schizophrenia were tested using free-response descriptions of self and others obtained from a sample of schizophrenic patients and from normal controls. The hypotheses were inspired in part by extant clinical theory and were formulated within a new set-theoretical model of social perception. The hypotheses were as follows: (1) schizophrenics have poorly elaborated views of self and (2) compared to normals, schizophrenics' social perceptions exhibit greater stereotypy or rigidity. The findings supported both hypotheses. Implications of the findings for theory and research on self and interpersonal perception in psychosis and other psychopathology were discussed.