Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia: Impact on Cognition, Living Skills and Self-Efficacy, the Role of Intrinsic Motivation, and the Lived Experience of Participation

Abstract

Cognitive remediation (CR) may alleviate cognitive difficulties in schizophrenia. This thesis: 1) examined the impact of drill-and-strategy CR on cognition, living skills and self-efficacy compared to computer game (CG) control; 2) explored the impact of intrinsic motivation on therapy outcomes; and 3) compared the lived experience of both groups. Overall, CR produced greater improvements in cognition, which was more likely when motivation increased over time. CR and CG both enhanced self-efficacy, yet neither improved living skills. Learning new skills and encountering challenge were unique processes in CR. These findings should be considered when developing and delivering CR therapies in future.