DISSEMINATION OF A SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING-PROGRAM FOR CHRONIC-SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS IN PERU

A social skills training program for chronic schizophrenics was dissem inated to mental health facilities in Peru from 1991 to 1996. We began with a pilot study and then designed a systematic methodology for tea ching social skills training to mental health professionals who work w ith schizophrenic patients in Lima and other major cities of Peru. The results of the dissemination included greater competencies for traini ng social skills in mental health professionals, fetter social adjustm ent by patients, and improved quality of life for both therapists and patients. Many patients wen able to obtain independent jobs during the ir social skills training. Their families showed better acceptance of their mentally ill relatives, a greater focus on positive changes in t heir relatives' grooming, and a diminution in complaints about aggress ive behaviors.