Introspection and schizophrenia: a comparative investigation of anomalous self experiences.
Louis Sass, Elizabeth Pienkos, Barnaby Nelson
Consciousness and cognition September 1, 2013 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2013.05.004 via PubMed
Summary
Anomalous self-experiences in schizophrenia show significant similarities to those of individuals with intense introspection, particularly regarding feelings of passivity and alienation. However, unique features of schizophrenia include confusion between self and world and a severe dislocation of first-person perspective. This comparative study aims to contextualize these experiences, evaluate core processes in schizophrenia, and explore potential therapeutic approaches.
Study at a glance
| Population | individuals with schizophrenia and normal individuals with an introspective orientation |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Significant similarities were found between anomalous self-experiences in schizophrenia and those of introspective individuals, but important differences also emerged. |
Abstract
This paper offers a comparative investigation of anomalous self-experiences common in schizophrenia (defined in Examination of Anomalous Self Experiences (EASE) instrument) and those of normal individuals in an intensely introspective orientation (early 20th-century "introspectionist" psychology). The latter represent a relatively pure manifestation of certain forms of exaggerated self-consciousness ("hyperreflexivity"), one facet of the disturbance of core- or minimal-self ("ipseity" disturbance) postulated as central in schizophrenia. Significant similarities with schizophrenia-like experience were found but important differences also emerged. Affinities included feelings of passivity, fading of self or world, and alienation from thoughts, feelings, or lived-body. Differences involved confusion between self and world and severe dislocation or erosion of first-person perspective, qualities unique to schizophrenia. The purpose is threefold: 1, place the putatively schizophrenic experiences of self-disorder in a broader, comparative context; 2, evaluate hypotheses concerning core processes in schizophrenia; 3, orient investigation of possible pathogenetic pathways as well as psychotherapeutic interventions.