Self-perceived interpersonal competence in older schizophrenia patients: the role of patient characteristics and psychosocial factors

Objective: This study compared older schizophrenia patients with normal sub jects in terms of their perceived interpersonal competence. Method: A total of 95 middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients and 85 age-matched normal subjects completed the Interpersonal Competence Questio nnaire. Results: Patients scored significantly lower than normal subjects on initia tion, provision of emotional support, and conflict management. Severity of psychiatric symptoms and other patient characteristics were examined as pre dictors of interpersonal competence among patients. Negative symptoms were inversely related to interpersonal competence, whereas emotional support fr om others and a positive appraisal coping style both yielded positive assoc iations. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for clinical interventions desi gned to enhance the interpersonal skills of older schizophrenia patients, p articularly those with marked negative symptoms.