Korean J Schizophr Res.  2016 Apr;19(1):5-9. 10.16946/kjsr.2016.19.1.5.

Characteristics of Ambivalence of Self-image in Patients with Schizophrenia

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jaejkim@yonsei.ac.kr
  • 2Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
  • 4Graduate School of Education, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract


OBJECTIVES
Ambivalence of self-image is considered to be important in patients with schizophrenia since impairment of self-referential processing and increment in ambivalence are illness-related symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate quantitative and qualitative properties of ambivalence of self-image in patients with schizophrenia.
METHODS
Twenty patients with schizophrenia and 20 normal controls performed a set of 'self-image reflection task' and then the level of ambivalence towards actual and ideal self-image were numerically scored. Ambivalence scores were compared between groups and correlation analyses with psychometric scales were done in each group.
RESULTS
Patients with schizophrenia had higher level of ambivalence towards both actual and ideal self-image (p<0.001). Normal controls showed significant correlations with the scales representing level of self-concept clarity (r=-0.480, p=0.033), depression (r=0.479, p=0.033), and self-esteem (r=-0.555, p=0.011 ; R=-0.600, p=0.005) while the patients did not.
CONCLUSION
Ambivalence towards one's self-image is more intense in patients with schizophrenia. This symptom may be considered to exist as an independent symptom in schizophrenia.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Ambivalence; Self-image

MeSH Terms

Depression
Humans
Psychometrics
Schizophrenia*
Weights and Measures

Figure

  • Fig. 1. Independent t-test comparison of ambivalence scores between groups (A). Comparison of the actual ambivalence score (B). Comparison of the Ideal ambivalence score.

  • Fig. 2. Scatter plot showing correlation analysis of the Actual ambivalence score and the Ideal ambivalence score.


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