Sj. Semple et al., Self-perceived interpersonal competence in older schizophrenia patients: the role of patient characteristics and psychosocial factors, ACT PSYC SC, 100(2), 1999, pp. 126-135
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.