[ The term schizoid refers to the splitting of the self. The schizoid individual complains of feeling isolated, disengaged, shut-out, unconnected, and apathetic. There is a consuming need for object dependence but attachment threatens the schizoid with the loss of self. The individual protects an insecure sense of self by emotional withdrawal and affective isolation. Unable to make emotionally meaningful commitments, the person often feels that life is futile and without purpose (Meissner 1988). Existential phenomenology describes the schizoid sense of identity as suffering ontological insecurity (Laing 1959). The schizoid frequently has few friends, is not involved with community or society in general, and may appear shy or eccentric. There may be paranoid features: sensitivity, guardedness, and suspiciousness (Meissner 1988).