Improving Romantic Relationship Functioning Among Young Men With First-Episode Psychosis: Impact of a Novel Group Intervention

Behav Modif. 2023 Sep;47(5):1170-1192. doi: 10.1177/01454455231186586. Epub 2023 Jul 26.ABSTRACTPrevious research has highlighted many of the challenges faced by individuals with psychosis in romantic relationships. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel group intervention for men with first-episode psychosis (FEP) on dating success, romantic and sexual functioning, self-esteem, self-stigma, mentalizing skills, and symptomatology, while using a repeated single-case experimental design and comparing results across two treatment modalities (i.e., in-person or online). Twenty-seven participants from five treatment sites completed a 12-week group intervention. Qualitative data was also collected to assess participants' subjective experiences with the program. In both modalities, significant improvements were observed for romantic functioning, mentalizing skills, and symptomatology, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. Several participants also attended more dates and entered committed relationships after the intervention. Most participants were satisfied with the program and many felt that they had learned new skills and gained confidence in dating. Future research should replicate these findings in larger and more inclusive samples.PMID:37496322 | PMC:PMC10403962 | DOI:10.1177/01454455231186586

Source: Behavior Modification - July 27, 2023 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Briana Cloutier Tania Lecomte Felix Diotte Justin Lamontagne Amal Abdel-Baki Jean-Gabriel Daneault Marie Eve G élineau Rabbath Alexandre de Connor C écile Perrine Source Type: research