Self-Consciousness in Schizophrenics

Abstract

This study assessed the efficacy of the Self-consciousness Scale in differentiating short- and long-term schizophrenics from sociopaths and psychiatric aides. Three groups of 10 state hospital residents were selected on the basis of evidence of schizophrenia or antisocial personality using both interview and psychometric measures. A comparison group of 10 randomly chosen psychiatric aides were also included. Although no significant differential group effects were noted, all groups scored in the upper half of the scale's range. Discussed are the potential lack of sensitivity of this scale at its upper limits, the relationship of self-consciousness to disordered behavior, and the comparison of obtained scores with college norms.