Metacognition-oriented Social Skills Training (MOSST): Theoretical Framework, Working Methodology and Treatment Description for Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Metacognition-oriented Social Skills Training (MOSST): Theoretical Framework, Working Methodology and Treatment Description for Patients with Schizophrenia. The presence of social deficits in schizophrenia has been widely described in literature as well as the negative impact of these deficits on psychosocial functioning. As a result, social skills training (SST) has emerged as a well-validated intervention that is recommended in several treatment guidelines for schizophrenia. However, different studies have found that the effects and generalizability of current SST programmes are limited regarding the potential benefits on daily psychosocial functioning of these patients. This paper aims to describe a newly developed intervention model that integrates metacognitive remediation into SST for patients affected by schizophrenia: metacognition-oriented social skills training (MOSST). Theoretical model of MOSST is based on recent findings suggesting the central role of metacognitive deficits to successful psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia. Thereby, MOSST focuses not only on train interpersonal skills but also on improving the understanding of one’s own mental states and those of the others as well as the connection between mental states and effective social behaviour. In order to facilitate the treatment description, a case report of an adult diagnosed by schizophrenia who successfully completed the programme is presented. Finally, clinical implications and limitations of available evidence on MOSST are discussed, and future research directions with this programme are pointed out.