OBSERVATION ON SCHIZOPHRENIC SEVEN-SQUARES TEST PATTERNS.

Abstract

In order to present an hypothesis for che initiation of research concerning the pattern characteristics of arrangements of the seven black test squares by schizophrenics, observed on the Seven-Squares Tesc (Hector, 1963), a projective mosaic test, it was proposed that the feature of coherence in each pattern should be investigaced. Four observers judged that the patterns or arrangements of the squares created by schizophrenics were different from patterns of non-clinical groups as far as this feature is concerned. Subsequently data were scored on a 3-point scale: (a) all squares connected (touching); (b) some squares connected, some disconnected (isolated, not touching); (c) all squares disconnected. It was assumed chac feanlre (b), which is called the partially coherent pattern, would be rypical of the schizophrenic pattern. Coherence scores of patterns obtained from 43 Ss, who were clinically diagnosed as schizophrenics (27 males, 16 females; age range, 14 to 58 yr.; average age 37 yr.), were compared with chose of 153 pupil pilot candidates, 89 Swedish commerce employees, and 78 Kalahari Bushmen. These data were analyzed by Chi-square test for a 2 )( 2 contingency table. As far as the sample of pupil pilot candidates is concerned, who come from the same culture as the schizophrenics, results gave support to the starting assumption: the partially coherenc pattern (b) was significantly higher (P < .01) among the schizophrenics. The results, of course, cannot be considered conclusive. Scores obtained from the addicional two control groups mentioned above showed similar trends, but these were not statistically significant, according to ~est. From these preliminary data it may be concluded that whether a partially coherent pattern on the Seven-Squares Tesc is a c1:aracteristic of the schizophrenic projection remains to be confirmed by using larger clinical and culturally more hornogeneo~~s control groups.