Patterns of object relations and reality testing deficits in schizophrenia: Clusters and their symptom and personality correlates

Bell Object Relations Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI) profile scores were used to cluster 222 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. An eight-cluster solution was subjected to replication analysis, and six clusters were found valid and replicable. These clusters were sorted into three pairs that were interpreted as follows: Residually Impaired consisted of Sealed-Over Recovery and Integrated Recovery; Socially Withdrawn consisted of Socially Withdrawn and Socially Withdrawn-Autistic; and Psychotically Egocentric consisted of Psychotically Egocentric and Psychotically Egocentric-Severe. Clusters were compared on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale ratings and on subscales from the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. MANOVAs indicated significant differences among clusters. These differences provided further interpretations of cluster membership. Implications for the use of BORRTI profiles for treatment and rehabilitation planning are discussed.