A comparison of semantic structure among college students, junior high school boys and schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Using the Semantic Differential, the factors in judging meanings of concepts, distances, and scale-checking styles were compared among college students (C), junior high school boys (J), and schizophrenic patients (S). Results: (1) The same three dominant factors were extracted in all groups. (2) As for the semantic structure, “ME” of the S's self-concept was separated from other concepts. TEACHER, SICKNESS, DOCTOR, GOD, PEACE, SEX, and LOVE differed between S and C. (3) Distribution of categories checked by groups S and C differed in the extreme, neutral, and intermediary categories on the seven-point scales. Conclusion: The Semantic Differential may reflect the changes of meaning in personality and psychotherapy. © 1974, The Japanese Psychological Association. All rights reserved.