Factorial structure and prognostic significance of premorbid adjustment in schizophrenia.

Abstract
A sample of 291 resident male schizophrenic patients were rated on the Becker revision of the Elgin Prognostic Scale and on the Phillips Prognostic Rating Scale. 28 items drawn from both scales were factor analyzed. The factors were rotated to both varimax orthogonal solution and to biquartimin oblique solution. The 2 methods yielded a high degree of factorial similarity. 7 factors were: I, Social Withdrawal, Few Interests; II, Inadequate Heterosexual Relationships; III, Socially Undesirable Ward Behavior; IV, Rigid, Flat Affect. and Apathy; V, Insidious Onset; VI, Stubborn and Egocentric; and VII, Chronic Poor Physical Health. Correlations with a measure of chronicity (for 3 social class groupings) indicated that Factors I, II, III, and V have important prognostic power. These findings emphasize the need for a multivariate research approach to premorbid adjustment and the inclusion of the new and prognostically significant Factor III (Socially Undesirable Ward Behavior). (27 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)