A Piagetian framework as a basis for the assessment of cognitive organization in schizophrenia: a comparison of adolescent and adult patients to a normal control group
Katz, N.; Tolchinsky-Landsmann, L.
Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences 28(4): 1-18
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0333-7308 PMID: 1526750 Document Number: 397891
Piaget's theoretical framework was utilized in this study to investigate the cognitive organization of schizophrenic patients. Data from a battery of eight Piagetian tasks of concrete and formal operations was collected for adolescent and adult-acute and chronic schizophrenic patients, and was compared to matched normal control groups. Findings show significant differences between patients and controls; among the patients' chronicity, age and hospitalization are contributing variables to lower cognitive performance. Concrete operational tasks in the physical and spatial domains are retained better than in the logico-mathematical domain, or formal operational tasks in all domains. Major problems appear in the ability to abstract general criteria and to mentally work with more than one dimension at a time. A logical approach to the solution of concrete problems and solving problems which seem to present a contradiction, or cause problems in the accommodation and integration of one's thinking. Further studies are needed in order to draw conclusions and to understand the implications for every day functioning, deficient in the schizophrenic patient.