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Reversing the process of thought disorder: a serial validation experiment
The British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology
|June 1, 1975
Summary
This study explored reversing thought disorder by validating patient expectations. While results were not conclusive, the approach shows promise for strengthening personal construct systems in individuals with thought disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Personal construct theory views thought disorder as loosened construing.
- Thought disorder specifically impacts a patient's role as a 'psychologist,' affecting interpersonal predictions.
- The serial invalidation hypothesis posits thought disorder arises from repeated failures in predicting others' behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if serial validation can reverse thought disorder.
- To strengthen a patient's personal construct system by fulfilling their expectations.
Main Methods:
- Identifying and fulfilling weak expectations in thought-disordered patients.
- Comparing experimental and control groups over a two-year period.
- Utilizing the grid method to measure construing.
Main Results:
- Results showed a tendency in the predicted direction but were not statistically conclusive.
- The study's findings support the viability of the serial validation hypothesis.
- A 'not proven' verdict was reached, suggesting further research.
Conclusions:
- Serial validation may offer a viable therapeutic strategy for thought disorder.
- Strengthening the personal construct system is a potential outcome of this intervention.
- Modified replication of the experiment is warranted.