Photos preference test (PPT) as a measure of mental status for hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Abstract

The Photos Preference Test (PPT) consists of 100 facial photographs, standardized for like and dislike. This study attempted to determine whether deviant responses to the photographs were related to psychological disturbance. 490 newly admitted patients to a state hospital were tested on admission and retested 4 months later or before then if discharged sooner. 369 "normal" controls were given the PPT. The results showed: (a) patients give more deviant responses than controls (p < .01); (b) schizophrenics give more deviant responses than nonschizophrenics (p < .0001); (c) patients giving less deviant responses on admission are discharged sooner than patients giving more deviant responses (< .01); and (d) female patients show a decrease in deviant responses as they improve (p < .01), while males do not (25 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)