Schizophrenics are here characterized as lacking ego resources with which to combat the stress of living and as threatened by anxiety derived from their hostility and incestuous drives. Consequently their egos become fragmented, i.e., they break with reality rather than allow free expression of such impulses.

In individual or group treatment the schizophrenic must be supported by the therapist's ego. The patient should be confronted with present reality rather than be permitted to explore his memories and delusions. Progressive mastery of reality is gained through creative crafts. Group psychotherapy for psychotic provides an escape in silence and detachment, though identification and vicarious catharsis may undermine repressive capabilities; friendly interaction among the members lessens a tendency to autism. On the contrary, a schizophrenic may become the scapegoat in a group of healthier members.