Effect of an interpersonal problem solving intervention on problem solving skills and self-esteem in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background Effective interpersonal problem-solving skills have been identified as essential aspects for successful functioning in daily life and also for decreasing vulnerability to relapse. If patients with schizophrenia learn interpersonal problem - solving skills from a systematic method and successfully apply them in their daily life, the beliefs about their self- competence in handling interpersonal problems will develop and improve their self-esteem. Aim The study aimed to determine the effect of an interpersonal problem solving intervention on problem solving skills and self-esteem in patients with schizophrenia. Research design; randomization control trial design was applied. Setting The study was carried out in psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery center that was affiliated to Tanta University, Egypt. Subjects and method The participants of this study were forty patients with schizophrenia; they were divided randomly into control and study groups (twenty patients in each). Tools of study Interpersonal problem solving procedure and Rosenberg self-esteem scale. The interpersonal problem-solving intervention: It consisted of five stages on seven sessions, four times\a week for two weeks. Results There was a statistical significant improvement in the study group regarding their interpersonal problem solving skills and self- esteem as compares to the control group. Recommendation It is essential to apply this intervention with large sample and long duration, and also used in various mental health services and facilities as a rehabilitative intervention for patients with schizophrenia.