Phenomenal, ideal, and projected conceptions of self.

The relationship between the phenomenal, ideal, and projected self concepts in normal, neurotic, and paranoid schizophrenic Ss is investigated by comparing a self rating of present personal characteristics (phenomenal self) and ideal personal characteristics (ideal self) with the TAT hero characteristics of each S based on five TAT stories (projective self). The results indicate that normals have positive attitudes towards the self on a realistic basis. The paranoid schizophrenic group revealed positive self attitudes which were reflective of self enhancing defenses and were based on unrealistic self appraisal. The neurotic group maintained negative self attitudes based on a realistic perception of disturbances within the self. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)