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Self‐perceived interpersonal competence in older schizophrenia patients: the role of patient characteristics and psychosocial factors
Author(s) -
Semple S. J.,
Patterson T. L.,
Shaw W. S.,
Grant I.,
Moscona S.,
Jeste D.V.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1999.tb10833.x
Subject(s) - psychology , psychosocial , interpersonal communication , clinical psychology , interpersonal relationship , competence (human resources) , coping (psychology) , psychological intervention , social skills , psychiatry , social psychology
Semple SJ, Patterson TL, Shaw WS, Grant I, Moscona S, Jeste DV. Self‐perceived interpersonal competence in older schizophrenia patients: the role of patient characteristics and psychosocial factors. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100 : 126–135. © Munksgaard 1999. Objective: This study compared older schizophrenia patients with normal subjects in terms of their perceived interpersonal competence. Method: A total of 95 middle‐aged and elderly schizophrenia patients and 85 age‐matched normal subjects completed the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire. Results: Patients scored significantly lower than normal subjects on initiation, provision of emotional support, and conflict management. Severity of psychiatric symptoms and other patient characteristics were examined as predictors of interpersonal competence among patients. Negative symptoms were inversely related to interpersonal competence, whereas emotional support from others and a positive appraisal coping style both yielded positive associations. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for clinical interventions designed to enhance the interpersonal skills of older schizophrenia patients, particularly those with marked negative symptoms.