Performance of hospitalized male alcoholics on the Kahn test of symbol arrangement.

Abstract

Analysis of protocols for the Kahn Test of Symbol Arrangement from 40 hospitalized male alcoholics yielded the following findings. The symbol pattern, representing the over-all test scores for the entire group of Ss, showed a fairly good correspondence with the typical symbol pattern formulated on the basis of previous research for “character and behavior disorder with neurosis.” This diagnostic category is consistent with our clinical observations concerning the largest group of male alcoholic patients seen in this institution over the years. The composite symbol pattern for the lowest three-quarters of our Ss (again, in terms of over-all test performance) shows closer correspondence to the typical pattern for “character and behavior disorder with neurosis.” The composite symbol pattern for 10 Ss at the top of the range in total test performance bears some similarity to the symbol pattern of the superior normal S but at the same time indicates excessive or uncontrolled type of abstract thinking, with some possible autistic features. In the case of some patients the question of underlying schizophrenia is raised. Qualitative examination of test performance reveals strong trends consistent with clinical observations regarding personality features seen in most male alcoholics: evasiveness, refusal to get involved or refusal to exert much effort in complying with the test instructions, strong dependency needs and reluctance to take personal responsibility, and a strong need to suppress and deny hostile feeling.