Identity in People with Schizophrenia and in those after Spinal Cord Injury

Stressful events like severe illnesses and injuries impact self-experience. This study investigates the identity characteristics of people with schizophrenia and those following spinal cord injury. 30 participants from each group and members of the control group answered the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale and evaluated themselves on a semantic differential. The results indicate a confused identity in people with schizophrenia and important differences between the Real and the Ideal Self in patients following spinal cord injury (SCI). Responses of patients following SCI are less reliable, which may indicate the presence of defense mechanisms, and therefore less reliable. Our findings underscore the importance of self-experiencing focused education, psychotherapy and collaborations with relatives.