An investigation of the effect of life skills training on functioning in people with schizophrenia

Psychosocial approaches constitute an important part of the treatment in mental health. This study was planned to investigate the effects of client-centered life skills training on the functioning of schizophrenia. A total of 32 individuals with schizophrenia were assigned randomly between intervention (n=15) and control groups (n=17). Motivation levels of individuals were assessed with a semi-structured interview within the framework of the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Abilities, symptom severity was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the severity of illness was assessed with Clinical Global Impressions, activities of daily living were assessed with Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and Lawton – Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, global, social and vocational functioning were assessed with Functioning Assessment Short Test, Social Functioning Scale and Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire respectively, and time use was assessed with a 24-hour time use diary. All tests were applied pre and post-intervention to both groups. Control group received general occupational therapy recommendations for one session while the intervention group received client-centered life skills training for 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks (16 sessions). There was a greater improvement in motivation levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. There was a statistically significant improvement in the study group in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, the severity of illness, independence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living, social functioning, vocational functioning, global functioning, and time use compared to control group (p<0.05). It is concluded that client-centered life skills training may be an effective intervention for people with schizophrenia. It is recommended that the results of the research should be supported by long-term follow-up studies. Key words: schizophrenia, life skills, creative abilities, productivity, functioning