Structured Group Work for Individuals with Schizophrenia: A Coping Skills Approach

Abstract

Research regarding persons with schizophrenia has been a neglected area in social work group research. This article describes the development and testing of a structured group treatment. This experimental pretest-posttest treatment control study examines the effecriveness of group coping skills training (CST) in reducing relapse in persons with schizophrenia. CST involves training in time management, managing physiological arousal, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training. Results indicate that clients in CST had fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and significantly better achievement of treatment goals compared with clients in the treatment control group both at posttest and at six-month follow-up.