Metacognition-Oriented Social Skills Training for Individuals with Long-Term Schizophrenia: Methodology and Clinical Illustration

• Published in: Clinical psychology and psychotherapy 2014-09, Vol.21 (5), p.465-473
• Main Authors: Ottavi, Paolo, D'Alia, Daria, Lysaker, Paul, Kent, Jerillyn, Popolo, Raffaele, Salvatore, Giampaolo, Dimaggio, Giancarlo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior Therapy - methods; Cognition & reasoning; Humans; Intervention; Male; Mental health care; Metacognition; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Rehabilitation; Schizophrenia; Schizophrenia - rehabilitation; Schizophrenic Psychology; Social Skills; Social Skills Training
• ISSN: 1063-3995; 1099-0879
• DOI: 10.1002/cpp.1850

Purpose There is much evidence indicating the presence of social deficits in schizophrenia and the detrimental effect of these deficits on global functioning in this population. As a result, social skills training (SST) has emerged as a legitimate psychosocial treatment, although effectiveness research has revealed small effect sizes and limited generalizability regarding the benefits of this treatment. Methods In light of the strong evidence of metacognitive deficits in schizophrenia and the importance of metacognition to successful social functioning, we propose a novel therapeutic intervention wherein metacognitive remediation is integrated into SST: metacognition‐oriented social skills training (MOSST). In the current paper, we present MOSST, an adapted SST programme wherein clients are also encouraged to have mindful contact with their own thoughts and to better consider and understand the mental states of others as well as the connection between mental states and behaviour. Results We present a case wherein an individual with schizophrenia successfully completed the MOSST programme. Conclusion We outline directions for future research, starting with the logical next step of empirically testing the efficacy of MOSST. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message Currently social skills training is considered to be the elected psychosocial treatment for people affected by schizophrenia, although evidence indicates limited benefits.People with schizophrenia have metacognitive deficits, which interfere with proper social functioning.A metacognitive‐oriented social skills training (MOSST) intervention has been developed by the authors.A treatment such as MOSST, which integrates social skills training and metacognitive training, promises to improve social skills through improving the metacognition.