Literalism and animism in schizophrenia

Abstract

Although the extensive literature on schizophrenia includes papers which are concerned with etiological considerations, and with experimental studies of language and thought and thought disorder, relatively little has been. done in the area of literalism in schizophrenia. The studies in the latter area have usually dealt with literalism in schizophrenia as it is manifested in the interpretation of proverbs. The literature in general does include, on the other hand, numerous considerations of the so-called physiognomic and animistic qualities of schizophrenic thinking.

The purpose of the present investigation is to examine the behavior of a group of chronic schizophrenics and of two control groups in a set of situations which seem especially suited to elicit literal and/or animistic responses. An attempt is made to test the hypothesis that chronic schizophrenics have a literal approach to the world.