Rorschach indicators of schizophrenia measured by Exner's schizophrenia index [SCZI]

ABSTRACT

This research investigated the Rorschach Indicators of Schizophrenia as measured by Exner's Schizophrenia Index [SCZI]. Eighty adult psychiatric patients [40 schizophrenics and 40 non-schizophrenics] were selected from six different Psychiatric Hospitals of the state of New Jersey, U.S.A. A dual diagnostic procedure was used to ensure the accuracy of the diagnostic classifications of the subjects. This involved cross validations by independent senior clinical psychologist and/or Principal Clinical Psychologist who used observation and unstructured interview following DSM-III-R criteria [1988]. Each subject was administered Rorschach Inkblot Test individually by doctoral level psychology interns who were blind to the diagnosis of the subjects. 30% of the total Rorschach protocols were checked for coding and scoring by an independent Principal Clinical Psychologist and the principal researcher of this study who were skilful in Exner's comprehensive scoring system. ANOVA yielded a significant F ratio F [1.78] = 42.36, [P<.01]. The schizophrenic group's mean score [X=4.33] was significantly higher than the mean score of non-schizophrenics [X=2.28]. Discriminant analysis yielded the highest prediction accuracy [83% of the grouped cases were accurately diagnosed] when ALOG, FABCOM, DV, SCZI, X-percent, F, FQ, D, COL-Sh Blend, Fr + rF and L variables of Exner's comprehensive scoring system were included in the analysis: