Self-compassion: a novel link with symptoms in schizophrenia?

Self-compassion has been linked to both positive aspects of well-being and less psychopathology in nonclinical samples. Although this construct has begun to be investigated in case studies, the clinical correlates of self-compassion for those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have yet to be explored. This study aimed to explore the relationship between self-compassion, symptoms, and insight in individuals with schizophrenia. A total of 88 participants with either schizophrenia (n = 51) or schizoaffective disorder (n = 37) who were enrolled in a study of metacognition at a Midwestern Veterans Affairs medical center completed measures of self-compassion and insight, along with a symptom interview. Higher self-compassion scores were associated with lower scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive, excitement, and emotional discomfort symptom scales in addition to poorer insight. Implications for treatment and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Operation restoration: couples reunification retreats for veterans of operations enduring and iraqi freedom.

Couples interventions are promising approaches to help veterans successfully reintegrate into civilian life and recover from combat-related trauma. However, few programs are available to address these needs. This article describes a weekend retreat program we developed called Operation Restoration, which focuses on strengthening the relationships of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans and their partners. We also report results from program evaluations completed by participants of the initial two retreats, aimed at further developing and refining Operation Restoration. The program evaluations explored participants' perceptions of the retreat, including benefits gained, suggestions for improvement, and mental health treatment interests. Information gathered from 43 couples suggests that such retreats may be a useful approach for strengthening the intimate relationships of OEF/OIF veterans and gives direction for future programs.

Metacognition as a predictor of therapeutic alliance over 26 weeks of psychotherapy in schizophrenia.

Research to identify client factors that impact treatment outcome has found that deficits in metacognitive abilities and weaker therapeutic alliance are both associated with poorer treatment outcomes for schizophrenia. However, it is unknown if metacognition and therapeutic alliance are related in any way, in particular, if metacognitive abilities predict therapeutic alliance. This study explored whether differing capacities for mastery, a domain of metacognition that involves the ability to use knowledge about mental states to respond to psychological challenges, predicted client perceptions of therapeutic alliance assessed by the Working Alliance Inventory - Short Form (WAI-S). Participants were 63 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder enrolled in a 6-month program of cognitive behavioral or supportive therapy, placed into a high, intermediate or minimal mastery group as measured by the Metacognitive Assessment Scale (MAS). Repeated measures ANOVA found group effects for the total WAI-S score, with the high and intermediate mastery groups having better alliance scores than the minimal mastery group. The group effects approached significance when neurocognition was controlled for. Results suggest that greater capacity for mastery predict stronger therapeutic alliance, but do not predict its development over time.