Schizophrenic behavior as a function of role expectation.

The hypothesis that the behavior of schizophrenic patients is determined in part by role expectation was investigated. The Holtzman Inkblot Technique and a word association task were administered to the same patients under two conditions: (1) Ss were led to believe that the interviewer was unaware of their patient status and expected them to behave in a normal manner; and (2) Ss were informed that the interviewer was interested in their behavior as mental patients. The results indicated that there was less evidence of pathology on the Holtzman when Ss were told that the interviewer expected them to behave in a normal manner. More specifically, there was less Pathognomonic Verbalization and more Form Appropriateness in the normal expectation condition. The findings are consistent with current views as to the pathogenic effects of labeling and institutionalization.