Examining the impact of the Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) and psychopathology on childhood psychiatric symptoms: Interactions with developmental indicators

Mary Catherine Healy, Pace University

Abstract

This study examined the interaction between the Rorschach Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) and developmental indicators on psychiatric symptoms in children ages 5 to 13. EII-2 was created by Perry & Viglione and consists of variables measuring ego impairment including: poor reality testing, judgment, affect control and regulation and thought disorder and distorted human relationships. Studies have indicated that EII-2 is a valid indicator of psychopathology in children, however it has been suggested that this relationship is not completely linear and that moderator or mediator variables may be present (Viglione, Perry & Meyer, 2003). While there has been limited research on the interaction between EII-2 and developmental indicators on psychopathology, preliminary results have suggested that there is an interaction effect between EII-2 and development in adolescents (Pogge, Stokes, Bilginer & Bertish, 2005). This study attempted to further explore this relationship with children. In this study, it was found that the interaction between developmental resources and EII-2 was effective in predicting a wide range of child psychopathology. Specifically, the group of children who exhibited high EII-2 and developmental indicators were also rated by their therapists and parents to have the highest level of internalizing, externalizing and psychotic disorders and social skills deficits and endorsed their own level of psychotic psychopathology. Therefore, the interaction effect between EII-2 and developmental indicators is effective in predicting internalizing, externalizing, and psychotic disorders and social skills deficits in children. Those children who possess adequate resources and high EII-2 are the most likely to exhibit psychopathology.

Subject Area

Clinical psychology|Quantitative psychology

Recommended Citation

Healy, Mary Catherine, "Examining the impact of the Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) and psychopathology on childhood psychiatric symptoms: Interactions with developmental indicators" (2009). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3374254.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3374254

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