Objectives. In schizophrenia, the ability to adaptively infer the thoughts and feelings of others (i.e., social cognition) is strongly associated with community functioning. Researchers have designed psychosocial interventions to improve social cognition with the aim of improving downstream social functioning. Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is one such intervention. Previous research on SCIT has been promising, but has consisted largely of smaller trials with insufficient experimental control. Design. Randomized, controlled trial. Methods. The current article reports on a controlled trial of 66 adults with schizophrenia randomized to receive either SCIT (n = 33), delivered in weekly group sessions, or treatment as usual (n = 33) for 6 months. Participants completed assessments of social cognition, social functioning, neurocognition and symptoms at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Results. Primary analyses suggest that SCIT may improve social functioning, negative symptoms, and possibly hostile attributional bias. Post-hoc analyses suggest a dose-response effect. Conclusions. Findings are discussed in the context of continuing to refine and improve social cognitive interventions for schizophrenia
A randomized, controlled trial of Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) for outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Roberts, DL., Combs, DR., Willoughby, M., Mintz, J., Gibson, C., Rupp, B., & Penn, DL. (2014). A randomized, controlled trial of Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) for outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53(3), 281-298. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12044
Abstract
Publications Info
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.
Meet the Experts
View All ExpertsRecent Publications
OCCASIONAL PAPER
The Preschool Entitlement
OCCASIONAL PAPER
Culturally informed community engagement
Article
Does the relationship between alcohol retail environment and alcohol outcomes vary by depressive symptoms? Findings from a US Survey of Black, Hispanic and White drinkers
Article