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1964 Quote by Milton Rokeach

“One clear-cut fact does, however, emerge: placebos, prescribed for a paranoid schizophrenic by his authority referent, had served to inhibit for approximately two or three months, not imaginary pains, but somatic ones. This finding is probably the most striking of all the findings reported herein…” quote by Milton Rokeach
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““One clear-cut fact does, however, emerge: placebos, prescribed for a paranoid schizophrenic by his authority referent, had served to inhibit for approximately two or three months, not imaginary pains, but somatic ones. This finding is probably the most striking of all the findings reported herein for either Joseph or Leon. It demonstrates most dramatically the positive effects which can be achieved by suggestions originating with the paranoid schizophrenic's own delusional authority figures. This finding is all the more remarkable when one remembers that paranoid schizophrenics are typically negativistic, that, because they view other people with suspicion and mistrust, they resist suggestions that others make. But our data clearly suggest that paranoid schizophrenics are, like everyone else, quite capable of following positive suggestions when they originate with positive referents. In this respect, the major difference between normal people and paranoid schizophrenics lies not so much in the fact that the schizophrenics are less suggestible but in the fact that they have no positive authorities or referents in the real world; if they have any at all, these positive referents exist only in the world of their delusions.””

Milton Rokeach

About This Quote

Source Journal Article: Study on Paranoid Schizophrenia, 1970s

Paranoid patients can respond to positive suggestions when those suggestions come from figures they trust, even if those figures are delusional.

In simple terms: Trusted delusional figures can guide patients.

Key Takeaway

Leverage trusted authority figures in therapy.

Themes

psychology therapy trust suggestion

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

clinical research

When to use this quote

  • clinical treatment
  • patient counseling
  • support groups
  • rehabilitation programs

Key Concepts

delusional authority positive suggestion suggestibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can clinicians identify positive referents for each patient?
  • What ethical concerns arise using delusional authorities?
A Different Perspective

Patients may still resist suggestions from outsiders.

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