Integrated Versus Sealed-Over Recovery in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Ego functioning of 222 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was evaluated using the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI). Sixty-one of these had BORRTI profiles identified as sealed-over recovery style, and 36 had profiles interpreted as integrated recovery style. Groups were compared on demographic characteristics, symptom profiles, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, a performance measure of executive function. Groups had comparably low levels of positive symptoms, but the integrated recovery group had higher scores on the BORRTI uncertainty of perception scale. The integrated recovery group had significantly fewer minority patients, higher IQ, and higher levels of emotional discomfort. The sealed-over recovery group had higher levels of cognitive disorganization. When differences in ethnicity and IQ were controlled for, the integrated recovery group had better executive functioning. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test categories completed emerged as the significant predictor in a logistic regression, explaining 19% of the variance. These findings support the discriminant validity of these two recovery styles and reveal the importance of executive function in a recovery style that allows for investment in relationships, affect tolerance, and acknowledgment of symptoms.