Abstract
This article explores the characteristics of schizoid phenomena in Childhood. Prevalent symptom constellations involve a lack of affective social connection, inadequate social skills, over-involvement in fantasy, idiosyncratic thought processes and an inability to utilize play and games effectively. Treatment strategies focused on individual, group and family intervention are described. Two case studies highlighting treatment issues are presented.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Psychiatric Association (1980).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Third Edition, Washington, D.C.: APA.
American Psychiatric Association (1987).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Third Edition-Revised; Washington, D.C.: APA.
Black, M., Freeman, B. & Montgomery, J. (1975). Systematic observation of play behavior in autistic children.Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia, 5, 363–371.
Cornett, C. (1985). The cyclical pattern of child physical abuse from a psychoanalytic self-psychology perspective.Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 2, 83–92.
Cornett, C. (1988). The loyalty bind and sacrifice of the self: family treatment of adolescent schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder from a psychodynamic-systemic perspective.Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 5, 41–53.
Despert, J. (1948). Delusional and hallucinatory experiences in children.American Journal of Psychiatry, 104, 528–537.
Edward, J., Ruskin, N. & Turrini, P. (1981).Separation-individuation: Theory and application. New York: Gardner.
Erikson, E. (1963).Childhood and society. Second Edition; New York: Norton.
Exner, J. (1962). A comparison of the human figure drawings of psychoneurotics, character disturbances, normals and subjects experiencing experimentally-induced fear.Journal of Projective Techniques, 26, 392–397.
Fairbairn, R. (1952).An object relations theory of the personality. New York: Basic Books.
Guntrip, H. (1969).Schizoid phenomena, object-relations and the self. New York: International Universities.
Hammer, E. (1958).The clinical application of projective drawings. Springfield, Illinois: Thomas.
Khan, M. (1963). The Concept of Cumulative Trauma.Psychoanalytic Study of the Child.13, 286–306.
Khan, M. (1974).The privacy of the self. New York: International Universities.
Kohut, H. (1971).The analysis of the self. New York: International Universities.
Kohut, H. (1977).The restoration of the self. New York: International Universities.
Levy, D. (1943).Maternal overprotection. New York: Columbia University.
Mahler, M., Pine, F. & Bergman, A. (1975).The psychological birth of the human infant. New York: Basic Books.
Nickerson, E. & O'Laughlin, K. (1983). The therapeutic use of games. In C. Schaefer & K. O'Connor eds.Handbook of Play Therapy. New York: Wiley & Sons.
Piaget, J. (1962).Play, dreams and imitation in childhood. New York: Norton.
Rutter, M. (1971). Parent-Child Separation: psychological effects on the child.Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 12, 233–260.
Rutter, M. (1974). The development of infantile autism.Psychological Medicine, 4, 147–163.
Schildkrout, M.; Shenker, I. & Sonnenblick, M. (1972).Human figure drawings in adolescence. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Seligman, M. (1975)Helplessness: On depression, development and death. San Francisco: Freeman.
Slavson, S. (1979). Treatment of aggression through activity group therapy. In S. Slavson & M. Schiffer, eds.Dynamics of Group Psychotherapy New York: Aronson.
Strean, H. & Freeman, L. (1988).Behind the couch. New York: Wiley.
Wolkind, S. (1974). The Components of “affectionless psychopathy” in institutionalized children.Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 15, 215–220.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cornett, C.W. Schizoid adaptation in childhood: Symptomatology and treatment. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 6, 99–113 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756110
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756110