An empirical test of a Kraepelinian vs. a Bleulerian view of negative symptoms

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a Kraepelinian vs. a Bleulerian interpretation of negative symptoms. The former focuses on absolute loss of functioning, while the latter emphasizes the qualitative loss of organization. Contrary to expectation, neither theory was confirmed, but rather three independent factors emerged: apathy, psychomotor retardation, and loss of goal. The implications of these findings for subtyping schemes and the conceptualization of negative symptoms are discussed.