Linking social cognition with social interaction: Non-verbal expressivity, social competence and 'mentalising' in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
2009

Linking Social Cognition with Social Interaction in Schizophrenia

Sample size: 80 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Martin Brüne, Mona Abdel-Hamid, Claudia Sonntag, Caroline Lehmkämper, Robyn Langdon

Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany

Hypothesis

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders will differ from healthy controls in terms of non-verbal expressivity and neurocognition.

Conclusion

The study found that deficits in non-verbal expressivity are linked to poor social skills and understanding of others' thoughts in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with schizophrenia displayed significantly fewer prosocial behaviors compared to controls.
  • Non-verbal expressivity correlated negatively with disorganization in patients.
  • Patients with low non-verbal expressivity performed worse on mentalizing tasks.

Takeaway

People with schizophrenia have a harder time showing emotions and understanding others, which makes it tough for them to interact socially.

Methodology

Fifty patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were videotaped during interviews to evaluate non-verbal expressivity, social competence, and neurocognitive abilities.

Limitations

The study's correlational nature limits causal conclusions, and findings may not generalize to all patients with schizophrenia.

Participant Demographics

50 in-patients (22 males, 28 females) diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and delusional disorder.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1744-9081-5-6

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