The Effects of Metacognition-Oriented Social Skills Training on Psychosocial Outcome in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

A pilot study of the effects of metacognition-oriented social skills training (MOSST) on social functioning in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) reported promising results. The main purpose of the current trial was to compare the effectiveness and potential benefits of MOSST vs conventional social skills training (SST). Single-blind randomized controlled trial with 2 groups of patients aged 18-65 with SSDs on partial hospitalization. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 16 group sessions with MOSST or conventional SST, both in addition to standard care, over 4 months, with a 6-month follow-up. Psychosocial functioning, metacognition, and symptom outcomes were measured by blind assessors. Statistical analyses used mixed models to estimate treatment effects in each postrandomization time point. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to the MOSST group and 33 patients to the conventional SST group. Between-group differences were significant in favor of MOSST on Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) total scores at post-treatment and follow-up. Concerning PSP subscales, there were significant between-group differences in favor of MOSST at follow-up on socially useful activities, personal and social relationships, and disturbing and aggressive behaviors. Metacognition only improved following MOSST group. For people with SDDs, MOSST appears to have short- and long-term beneficial effects on social functioning and symptoms. Further studies are required to replicate the current results in other samples.

Del libro blanco del título de grado en psicología al negocio de la desesperación: análisis cuantitativo de los estudios de psicología en España durante la década 2005-2015 / From the white paper on the qualification of the degree in psychology to the business of desperation: a quantitative analysis of psychology studies in spain over the decade of 2005-2015

El proceso de convergencia con el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior motivó la publicación del Libro Blanco del Título de Grado en Psicología (ANECA, 2005) donde se desglosa un análisis de la situación de los estudios de Psicología en España y se enumera una serie de recomendaciones para adecuar la titulación a los requisitos europeos. El presente trabajo pretende, diez años después, analizar el grado de implementación de las medidas y propuestas incluidas en el Libro Blanco, así como presentar modelos pronósticos en base a las tendencias observadas mediante análisis de series temporales. Los resultados muestran un incremento progresivo y constante de la oferta formativa, del número de nuevos centros donde se imparte el Grado de Psicología así como de otros indicadores estrechamente relacionados con dicho crecimiento. Por último, se discuten los posibles motivos y se reflexiona sobre el impacto en la precariedad laboral, las elevadas tasas de desempleo y las consecuencias nocivas para un modelo sostenible de la profesión

The process of convergence with the European Higher Education Area led to the publication of the White Paper on the qualification of the Degree in Psychology (ANECA, 2005) in which an extensive analysis was carried out of the situation of university studies in psychology in Spain and guidelines were produced to adapt the degree to the European requirements. Ten years later, the present paper aims to analyze the implementation rate of the guidelines included in the White Paper, as well as to develop prognostic models based on the trends observed using time series analyses. The results show a constant and progressive increase in the educational training offered, the number of new faculties, and other closely associated indicators related to this growth. Different explanations and reasons for these results are discussed. We also reflect on the detrimental impact on job security amongst psychologists, the high unemployment rates, and the negative consequences for a sustainable model of professional development

A pilot study on feasibility, acceptance and effectiveness of metacognitive-oriented social skills training in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: In preparation for a randomized controlled trial, a pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a psychotherapy group based on metacognitive-oriented social skills training (MOSST). METHODS: Twelve outpatients with schizophrenia were offered 16 group-sessions of MOSST. Effect sizes were calculated for changes from baseline to treatment end for both psychosocial functioning and metacognitive abilities measured by the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) and the Metacognition Assessment Scale-Abbreviated (MAS-A) respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Ten patients finished the full treatment protocol and nonsignificant moderate effect sizes were obtained on PSP and MAS-A scores. To date, this is the first study in Spain to suggest that outpatients with schizophrenia will accept metacognitive therapy for social skills training and evidence improvements in psychosocial functioning and metacognition. CONCLUSION: Despite limitations inherent in a pilot study, including a small sample size and the absence of a control group, sufficient evidence of effectiveness was found to warrant further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN10917911 . Retrospectively registered 30 November 2016.