The Effects of Problem-Solving Skills Training on Self-control Behaviors and Psychotic Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Patients With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of problem-solving skills training (PSST) on self-control behaviors and the positive and negative psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia in community-dwelling patients.

Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 63 adult community-dwelling outpatients with schizophrenia in Taiwan. The control group (n=28) received routine life skills training alone, while the experimental group (n=35) received both routine life-skills and problem-solving training. The data were collected at four time points (at baseline, and at week 6, 12, and 16 [4 weeks after training ended]). This study measured outcome variables including problem-solving skills (using the Self-control Schedule [SCS]), and psychiatric syndromes (using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS]).

Results: Our generalized estimating equation (GEE) model showed a significant improvement in the self-control behavior score in the experimental group at week 12 and 4 weeks after training ended, compared with the control group. In addition, the negative symptoms score was significantly improved at week 12 and 4 weeks after training end, compared with baseline.

Conclusion: These results demonstrated that PSST and routine living skills training have a positive impact on the negative symptoms of schizophrenia patients and could improve their problem-solving capacity and skills for dealing with daily life and health problems and could moderate negative psychotic symptom severity.