Abstract
Both childhood trauma and dissociation are associated with schizophrenia. More rudimentary form of dissociation known already from Eugen Bleuler as splitting of association is theoretically close to the modern concept of synthetic metacognition in schizophrenia.
The synthetic metacognition as a psychological process is described as a capability to synthesize intentions, thoughts, feelings, and connections between events, and to integrate them into larger complex representations of self and others. Disturbed synthetic metacognition was found in early as well as in late forms of schizophrenia and has its typical formula.
Deficit of synthetic metacognition is related to symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosocial functions. Synthetic metacognition is measurable by analyzing discourse using standardized procedures.
The level of metacognition is assessed from the sample of narrative on the basis of the Metacognitive Assessment Scale - Abbreviated (MAS-A). Psychotherapies focused on strengthening of metacognitive functions concentrate on integration of fragmented mental content or on promoting of formation of stable mental representations in this disorder.