Assessment of adherence of a social skills training intervention for serious mental illnesses.

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects on Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) of implementing a set of highly structured social skills training (SST) modules and to examine some SST adherence factors. The SST modules were designed by Liberman and co-workers to train social and independent living skills to SMIs. Patients' and case managers' interviews were used to assess the efficacy of the SST. A random control group design was used, 56 patients and 7 group leaders participated. This study found that SST modules are viable and clinically practical in a community mental health setting. Internal locus of control, difficulty with adherence, and satisfaction with SST format were significant contributors to SST adherence, which in turn facilitated positive patient outcomes. The results indicate that SMI patients in reasonable remission of their most acute symptoms can indeed adhere to SST and were able to benefit from SST. Issues related to SST dissemination are discussed. The long term goal of this study is to design a clinically efficacious and cost effective comprehensive treatment for SMIs that would enhance the quality care of SMIs.