Interpersonal aspects of the syndromes of schizophrenia

Raters listened to interviews with schizophrenic patients and rated each participant using Wiggins's Interpersonal Adjective Checklist-Revised, a measure of interpersonal behavior. It was predicted that three symptom dimensions (disorganization, psychoticism and negative symptoms) would be associated with unique patterns of interpersonal behavior. Results indicated that symptoms of psychoticism (systematized delusions and auditory hallucinations) were rated as evidencing Arrogant-Calculating characteristics. Negative symptoms were associated with Unassured-Unassuming and Aloof-Introverted patterns. Symptoms of disorganization were associated with Quarrelsome behavior. Increased knowledge of the interpersonal styles associated with different subsyndromal patterns of schizophrenic symptoms, and the reactions they are likely to elicit in others, can provide a useful framework for the design of social-cognitive rehabilitation programs.