Cognitive Insight and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Schizophrenia

Objective: This study aimed to determine cognitive insight and self-efficacy levels in individuals with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted between July 1 and October 1, 2025. A total of 103 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were included. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS), and the Self-Efficacy–Competence Level Scale (SECLS). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS for Windows (SPSS Statistics Base v23, IBM). A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean total BCIS score was 2.63±4.35, and the mean total SECLS score was 71.50±11.86. A statistically significant, negative, and moderate correlation was found between the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale and the Self-Efficacy–Competence Level Scale (r=−0.443, p<0.001). Conclusion: A negative relationship was found between cognitive insight and self-efficacy in individuals with schizophrenia. This finding indicates that the development of insight should be addressed together with emotional adaptation, self-perception, and the recovery process. In this context, psychiatric nursing interventions should support cognitive insight while simultaneously strengthening patients’ perceived self-efficacy, hope, coping skills, stigma resistance, and recovery-oriented functioning. Psychoeducational and anti-stigma interventions may help patients integrate illness awareness without weakening their perceived competence.