Effects of a Coping-Orientated Group Therapy for Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Patients: a Pilot Study
Abstract
Objective: This controlled pilot study was designed, first, to examine the efficacy of two different group therapy formats for schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients: a patient-centred, psychoeducative and coping- orientated group therapy approach and a supportive therapy group.
Secondly, it intended to establish preliminary hypotheses on the therapeutically relevant factors.
Method: In a sample of 32 patients suffering from schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder the effect sizes of the coping-orientated therapy approach and a supportive group therapy on several outcome variables were examined and the predictive power of different effect variables on outcome was analysed.
Results: The effect sizes show improvements in the cognizance of the disorder and the related pharmacotherapy, the psychopathology and the social functioning for both therapy conditions. Moreover, outcome as measured after 1 year was best predicted by the patient's mastery of
active, problem-focused coping strategies.
Conclusion: The results corroborate the appropriateness of focusing on aspects of coping-behaviour in psychological interventions.
Secondly, it intended to establish preliminary hypotheses on the therapeutically relevant factors.
Method: In a sample of 32 patients suffering from schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder the effect sizes of the coping-orientated therapy approach and a supportive group therapy on several outcome variables were examined and the predictive power of different effect variables on outcome was analysed.
Results: The effect sizes show improvements in the cognizance of the disorder and the related pharmacotherapy, the psychopathology and the social functioning for both therapy conditions. Moreover, outcome as measured after 1 year was best predicted by the patient's mastery of
active, problem-focused coping strategies.
Conclusion: The results corroborate the appropriateness of focusing on aspects of coping-behaviour in psychological interventions.
Date Issued
2000
Publication Type
Article
Subjects
Behaviour therapy
•
group; cognitive therapy; compliance; schizophrenia
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Andres, Karl | |
Garst, Franziska | |
Teschner, Carola | |
Brenner, Hans Dieter |
Journal
Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica
Publisher
Munksgaard
ISSN
0001-690X
Access(Rights)
restricted