Improving Psychosocial Functioning in Latinos with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Social skills training (SST) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for individuals with schizophrenia, and it is well documented that with and without cultural modifications it improves psychosocial functioning in Latinos with schizophrenia. In this chapter, a general overview of SST using the Bellack et al. (Social skills training for schizophrenia. 2nd ed. The Guilford Press, New York, 2004) model and resources for mental health providers working with Spanish-speaking consumers diagnosed with schizophrenia to improve psychosocial functioning is provided. Social skills training groups teach a variety of interpersonal skills that improve communication with loved ones, medical and mental health providers, co-workers, work supervisors, friends, and strangers. A variety of basic behavioral principles such as role-playing, overlearning, shaping approaches, and providing positive feedback are employed in each SST group to teach the social skill assigned for that session. Social skills training is a structured intervention in which each group session follows the same format but only one skill is taught per group session. This chapter describes the four phases involved with delivering an SST group – preparatory phase, individual goal-setting session, designing the SST group curriculum, and implementation of an SST group. Consumer-facing handouts of the four basic social skills in Spanish and a sample SST curriculum are provided in the chapter.