[Locus of control in chronic schizophrenia. Empirical data in an ambulatory group of patients]

In the present study loci of control as cognitive attitudes are investigated by repeated examinations in an out-patient therapy group of patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia. Loci of control are expressions of subjective intellectual evaluations to give an opinion of individual results of action. Present study data agree with first results in literature which show an external orientation of investigated patients and the constant markedness of cognitive attitudes in time. Furthermore study results about the connection of cognitive attitudes and psychopathological self ratings and ratings by the investigator as well as statements about changes of experience and behaviour are shown and discussed in the end. It is started out that knowledges of these cognitions can support long term out-patient care of patients with chronic schizophrenia. The consideration of cognitive attitudes is part of a concept of therapeutic interventions, which improve personal skills by finding a model of illness.