Compensatory Cognitive Training for Psychosocial Outcomes and Self-Stigma in Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Individuals with schizophrenia often experience poor psychosocial outcomes and self-stigma. This study aimed to investigate the effect of compensatory cognitive training (CCT) on self-esteem, self-efficacy, quality of life, and self-stigma in schizophrenia. Forty-six participants with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to intervention (CCT group, n = 24) or treatment as usual (TAU group, n = 22). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale Revision 4 (SQLS-R4), and the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS) were administered at pretest (T0), posttest (T1), and 1-month follow-up (T2). A significant result was found at T2 in the SQLS-R4 score between CCT and TAU groups ( P = 0.001). A significant result was also noted at T2 in the ISMIS score ( P = 0.004). These findings show that CCT contributes to improvement in quality of life and self-stigma in individuals with schizophrenia. Accordingly, CCT may enhance the effectiveness of psychiatric rehabilitation programs. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(10):473–481.]