Experimental psychological studies on schizophrenia: word-card distribution test and some psychological consideration

An experiment was conducted on 150 subjects; 100 schizophrenic and 50 control subjects. Each subject was given 56 or 57 word-cards, which consisted of 5 Cards selves (I, me, myself, etc.), 4 or 6 Cards families (father, mother, etc.), 7 Cards bodies (head, eyes, etc.), 11 Cards detestable (snake, etc.) and others. These cards were to be distributed in three concentric circles according to the standard of importance for the subjects. The results for the schizophrenic group in comparison with those for the control group were: Fewer cards were distributed in the central circle. The number of the distributed Cards important was smaller for the central and larger for the outward circle, etc. The discussion on the results was carried out with regard to the inner structure of ego, the boundary between ego and the outer world and the flexibility of ego. The conclusion of the discussion is as follows: In schizophrenics, The boundaries among the inner region of ego diminish. The boundary between ego and the outer world diminishes. Ego loses its flexibility. Ego contracts.