Abstract Improving self-efficacy, sense of coherence (SOC), and symptom stability are essential to support continued community living among individuals with schizophrenia. However, the impact of the Japanese version of Metacognitive Training (MCT-J) on these factors has not been fully examined. This study used a pre-post comparison design that involved 20 community-dwelling individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, with 10 participants each assigned to the MCT-J intervention and delayed intervention control groups. To evaluate its efficacy, assessments were conducted via Self-Efficacy for Community Life Scale (SECL), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS), and Trail Making Test–Japanese version (TMT-J) Parts A and B. Within-group and between-group comparisons assessed the changes in scores and task completion times. Additionally, evaluations pre-and-post intervention and at the one-year follow-up were analyzed for all the participants. Within-group analysis revealed that the intervention group exhibited significantly improved SECL, SOC-13, BCIS, and TMT-J Part A scores, following the MCT-J. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in the control group. Between-group comparisons revealed that the intervention group demonstrated further significant improvements in SECL scores and greater reductions in TMT-J Part A completion time. Furthermore, task completion times for both TMT-J A and B were significantly reduced relative to baseline measurements at follow-up. The MCT-J enhances various functions, including self-efficacy, sense of coherence, cognitive insight, and attentional function, and contributes to their maintenance or improvement over time. It is an effective support approach for helping individuals with schizophrenia sustain community living.
Kuroda et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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