Effects of psycho-scene-drama on empathic ability of patients with chronic schizophrenia

Objective:The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of psycho-scene drama on the empathic ability of patients with chronic schizophrenia.Methods:One hundred sixteen in-patients with chronic schizophrenia were randomly di-vided into study and control groups(n=58 cases each).The original anti-psychotic drugs were not changed in either group.In the study group,the therapy was combined with psychological scene drama with a treatment course of 3 months.Before and after treatment,the interpersonal reaction index scale(Chinese version[IRI-C]),negative syndrome scale(SANS),social function assessment scale for patients with mental diseases(SSPI),Rosenberg self-esteem scale(SES),the emotional-social loneliness inventory(ESLI),and the Texas social behavior inventory(TSBI)were utilized for measurements.Results:A comparison of the IRI-C total,PT,FS,and EC factor scores before and after treatment in the study group was significantly different(P<0.01);the PD factor score before and after treatment was not statistically significant(P>0.05).A comparison of the IRI-C total score and each factor score before and after treatment in the control group was not significantly different(P>0.05).A comparison of the IRI-C total,PT,and EC factor scores between the study and control groups after treatment was significantly different(P<0.05).A comparison of the FS factor score between the study and control groups before and after treatment was significantly different(P<0.01);the PD factor score was not significantly different(P>0.05).A comparison of the SANS total,SSPI total,SES total,and ESLI total scores between the two groups after treatment was significantly different(P<0.05).Conclusion:The psycho-scene drama can improve the empathic ability of patients with chronic schizophrenia,improve the negative symptoms and social function,increase the self-esteem and self-confidence,and reduce the loneliness in social interactions.