Meal Preparation: Comparing Treatment Approaches to Increase Acquisition of Skills for Adults with Schizophrenic Disorders

Abstract

This pilot study was conducted to determine whether an occupational therapy intervention using an acquisitional frame of reference with a psychoeducational component resulted in greater functional outcomes in the improvement of meal preparation for adult clients with schizophrenic disorders than an intervention framed solely by acquisition. Eight participants who met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the control group or the experimental group completed the study. Occupational performance in this area was assessed before and after treatment by administering relevant portions of the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills. Analysis of data suggests a significant change in one of three areas evaluated. All participants' “level of independence” improved, indicating that clients required less assistance after occupational therapy intervention; however, the findings did not indicate that the acquisition plus psychoeducation resulted in better outcomes than acquisition alone.

Keywords

schizophrenia meal preparation occupational therapy

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