Awareness and coping with emotion in schizophrenia: Acceptability, feasibility and case illustrations

Janelle M. Caponigro*, Erin K. Moran, Ann M. Kring, Judith T. Moskowitz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although current treatments help to alleviate some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, people with schizophrenia often continue to experience residual symptoms. An emotion-focused treatment approach may help to improve well-being in this population by increasing positive experiences and resources. In this article, we discuss the feasibility and acceptability of a skills-based group treatment for people schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. As part of the Awareness and Coping with Emotion in Schizophrenia (ACES) intervention, group members learned eight empirically supported cognitive and behavioural skills covering emotional awareness and coping. Group member feedback and three case illustrations illuminate participants' experiences with the group, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of this treatment approach. These data suggest that ACES is a feasible and acceptable group intervention. Future research is needed to examine whether ACES has a selective impact on well-being, but these initial findings point to the promise of this intervention to improve quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, thus filling a void in existing treatments options.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)371-380
Number of pages10
JournalClinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Case-Illustration
  • Emotion
  • Group Treatment
  • Schizophrenia
  • Well-being

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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