This research has investigated the interaction behavior of 35 psychotics compared to 35 non-clinical participants. Two trained judges have observed them interacting with trained partners in 4 negative assertion role-play situations, regarding giving and receiving criticism, which were videotaped. Types of situations and gender of partners were varied during the procedure. Results indicated the clinical group failed to alternate its speech with its partners more often than the non-clinical group. The clinical group showed greater frequency of very short verbal or vocal responses to their partners interactions. The content of their responses were more totally or partially bizarre. Both groups presented more disruptions regarding the timing of their responses in situations where they were receiving rather then giving criticism. Both groups gave longer verbal responses to male rather than female partners. These results in general replicated data from others researchers and indicated the specific dimensions of interaction behavior need to be addressed in social skills training for psychiatric patients.
competence (social); psychotics; social inclusion; role play; psychiatric patients
