Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1976

Thesis Director

Randall H. Best

Abstract

The review of the literature dealt with dependence in mental patients. Additional focus was given to the process of patienthood as it relates to the acquisition of dependence. Research on schizophrenia was then discussed and the special interaction of the schizophrenic and the environment was explicated. Finally, attention was given to the unique relationship between the schizophrenic mental patient and dependence.

57 Ss from a rural area in the midwestern United States were given the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (Form C). Ss were divided into 3 groups. The groups were matched according to age, sex, race, marital status, and education. The groups were not significantly different on these variables. Group I consisted of 19 males diagnosed by the New Haven Schizophrenia Index (NHSI) as schizophrenic who had been institutionalized in a state or federal mental hospital for a mean of 25.157 months. Group II consisted of 19 males diagnosed by the NHSI as schizophrenic, but who had not been institutionalized in a state or federal mental hospital. Group III consisted of 19 males diagnosed by the NHSI as non-schizophrenic and who had not received formal mental treatment.

Ss in each of the three groups were given the 16 PF.

It was hypothesized that there was not only a positive relationship between dependence as measured by the 16 PF and institutionalization in mental hospitals, but also that the relationship would be statistically significant. A positive relationship was supported in this sample, but the Kruskal-Wallis One-Way Analysis of Variance indicated that the relationship approached significance (H(2)=4.167, 4.605, p ± .07).

The hypothesized order of dependence was the institutionalized schizophrenics as most dependent, the non-institutionalized schizophrenics next, and the normals as least dependent. The mean dependence scores confirmed the hypothesized order of dependence in this sample.

It was also hypothesized that there would be significant differences of measured dependence between each of the three groups and that:

A) the most difference would be found between the institutionalized schizophrenics and the normals;

B) the difference between the non-institutionalized schizophrenics and the normals would be significant, but less significant than the difference between the institutionalized schizophrenics and the normals;

C) and that the least significant difference would be found between the institutionalized and non-institutionalized schizophrenics. The institutionalized schizophrenics were significantly more dependent than the normals (p<.01). The dependence difference between the non-institutionalized schizophrenics and the normals was not statistically significant.

Individual dependency evaluations of mental patients were recommended as a source of information in the selection of discharge placement. Further research was also recommended.

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