Effects of a coping-orientated group therapy for schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients: a pilot study.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The results corroborate the appropriateness of focusing on aspects of coping-behaviour in psychological interventions.
Andres
K
K
University of Bern Psychiatric Services, Switzerland.
Pfammatter
M
M
Garst
F
F
Teschner
C
C
Brenner
H D
HD
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome