Effect of Activity Therapy on Self-Esteem among Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that adversely affects patients' self-esteem. Activity therapy has been shown to positively influence self-esteem. This study aims to examine the efficacy of activity therapy in improving self-esteem among patients with schizophrenia. In this randomized controlled study, 79 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. The participants were assigned into intervention (39 participants) and control groups (40 participants) using computer-generated randomization. Researchers used The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to assess the participants' self-esteem. The intervention group underwent activity therapy of making bags and envelopes using paper for seven days. The control group received routine psychiatric care. The post-test assessment was done using RSES after 7 and 15 days of intervention. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software version 21. The total self-esteem score at both 7 days and 15 days post-intervention were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Evidence suggests that structured manual activities, such as the fabrication of paper bags and envelopes, may contribute to enhanced self-esteem and greater self-efficacy in patients, thereby facilitating improved psychosocial functioning. However, additional rigorous research is required to substantiate these observations.