Effectiveness of occupational goal intervention for clients with schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of Occupational Goal Intervention (OGI) in clients with schizophrenia was compared with that of the Frontal Executive Program and a control group. METHOD: We used a quasi-experimental design with 18 adult participants ages 20-38 who were randomly assigned to three groups. Testing was performed before treatment, after treatment, and at 6-mo follow-up (Time 2). Instruments assessed executive functions (EFs) and activity and participation. Participants received 18 treatment sessions over a period of 6-8 wk. RESULTS: We found no significant differences among the groups on pretest-posttest change; however, we did find significant differences within groups before and after intervention and moderate to high effect sizes. The OGI group showed relative improvement on all measures of EF and activity and participation. Most participants' achievements were maintained at Time 2. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide initial support for the OGI's effectiveness for clients with schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to verify these initial findings.