Stability of Schizophrenic Affect and Values

Abstract

The stability over time of schizophrenics' personal values and emotional responses was studied using an especially devised Preference Schedule and the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List. Daily testing of 50 hospitalized schizophrenics and 22 controls over 2 wk. revealed greater variability of preference, but no greater fluctuation in affect, for schizophrenics. The schizophrenics, however, scored higher in Anxiety and Depression than normals. It was suggested that the emotions of schizophrenics represent fairly stable and enduring systems whereas personal values and preferences are part of more fluctuating processes. Some of these findings are consistent with Shakow's theory of the schizophrenic's impaired integrating ability that interferes with the maintenance of major sets.