Overinclusive Thinking and Schizophrenia

Summary

The empirical literature relating to the schizophrenic thought disorder of overinclusive thinking is reviewed with special consideration to its measurement, the variables related to over-inclusive thought patterns, its relationship to other psychopathological groups, and the conditions under which schizophrenic conceptual performance is either facilitated or impaired. While a number of criticisms and suggestions are included in summary statements following each main section of the paper, it is suggested that future research stress conditions which improve rather than inhibit schizophrenic performance. Some studies in related areas are presented to illustrate the ability of schizophrenics to overcome their “psychological deficit”.