Alteration of some body image indexes in schizophrenics.

Abstract

Theory and previous research using the inkblot body image indexes developed by Fisher and Cleveland indicated that it should be possible to alter perceived boundary defmiteness in schizophrenics by making them aware of their own .bodies. Somatic awareness was induced in four different groups of hospitalized schizophrenics through a variety of means. Highly significant increases in the Barrier score from pretest to posttest were achieved by all groups which experienced actual physical stimulation, supporting the basic hypothesis. The Penetration score for these groups, however, was only slightly affected by the experimental manipulations. An imagination condition failed to produce significant changes in either boundary index.

Effectiveness of group body psychotherapy for negative symptoms of schizophrenia: Multicentre randomised controlled trial

“…However, this study was relatively small (45 participants), did not control for the non-specific effects of supported group physical activity, and all body psychotherapy groups were conducted by the same therapist. Three earlier trials on body-oriented psychotherapy not included in the NICE review suggested improvements in various outcomes including negative symptoms, 10 – 12 however, all had significant methodological shortcomings.…”

Effect of body-oriented psychological therapy on negative symptoms in schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

“…Four further controlled studies -three of them randomized -compared other bodyoriented interventions with non-specific attention, music therapy or fitness training (Goertzel et al 1965 ;Darby, 1970 ;Nitsun et al 1974 ;Seruya, 1977). These studies were all conducted before 1980 and have serious methodological shortcomings, such as vaguely defined outcome criteria, no systematic assessment of psychopathology, no recording of medication, and no intention-to-treat analysis.…”

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of body psychotherapy in the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

“…[20][21][22] However, all of these investigations appear to have serious methodological shortcomings. In the Darby study, 21 for example, only 15 participants were recruited in each intervention arm; the interventions themselves consisted of only one session, lasting approximately 15 minutes in total; the participants' perceptions of the body were using a Holtzman Inkblot Test, 62 as opposed to any standardised measure of negative symptoms, and differences in pre-post scores immediately before and after the intervention were evaluated, rather than comparing the effectiveness directly with a control condition.…”

“…[20][21][22] However, all of these investigations appear to have serious methodological shortcomings. In the Darby study, 21 for example, only 15 participants were recruited in each intervention arm; the interventions themselves consisted of only one session, lasting approximately 15 minutes in total; the participants' perceptions of the body were using a Holtzman Inkblot Test, 62 as opposed to any standardised measure of negative symptoms, and differences in pre-post scores immediately before and after the intervention were evaluated, rather than comparing the effectiveness directly with a control condition. In the Nitsun et al study, 22 only 12 participants were recruited into the control and experimental arms; analysis was conducted within groups, rather than between groups; functioning and body image were assessed using non-standardised methods, such as the Rorschach test 63 and an unpublished draw-a-person body image scale; and it is unclear whether or not the improvements detected were a consequence of the non-specific effects of increased therapist attention (particularly given the large number of therapists and cofacilitators that both the treatment and control interventions adopted).…”

“…Since then, further investigations of body-orientated psychotherapy have suggested some improvements in a range of outcomes, including some indicators of negative symptoms. [21][22][23] However, all of these studies, which were exclusively conducted before 1980, have serious methodological shortcomings, such as small sample sizes, vaguely defined outcome criteria, no systematic assessment of psychopathology, no recording of medication, no intention-to-treat analysis and a poorly defined description of the intervention under investigation. Overall, there is current and historic evidence to suggest that BPT might be effective in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, further evidence from rigorous, full-scale trials is required.…”