Meta-cognition, social problem-solving and psychosis.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An examination of meta-cognition and social problem-solving in individuals who experience psychosis.
IRAS ID
213773
Contact name
Hamish McLeod
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
A diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis often refers to a serious mental health disorder where individuals experience both positive and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms can include hallucinations and delusions and are often treated with medication. Negative symptoms refer to loss of energy, reduced motivation, decreased enjoyment, and social withdrawal. These problems can be harder to treat and often respond less well to medications. Negative symptoms can also be linked to problems with understanding the thoughts and feelings of others. These problems can lead to social isolation and difficulties with relationships.
This study aims to understand more about how people experiencing negative symptoms think about thinking. This is sometimes referred to as meta-cognition. We are also interested in assessing their memory functioning and improving understanding of the ways that they solve every day problems. By better describing these thinking processes and examining their relationship with negative symptoms we hope to identify promising targets for psychological treatments.
This study will recruit a group of people experiencing psychosis (including schizophrenia) whose positive symptoms are under control but are still experiencing difficulties with negative symptoms. They will be recruited from inpatient rehabilitation wards of the following NHSGG&C sites: Leverndale Hospital, Gartnaval Royal Hospital and Rowanbank Medium Secure unit. Clinical staff on the wards will identify participants, explain the study to them, ask them if they would like to take part and if they agree they will be invited to meet with the researcher. The researcher will then meet with interested participants to explain the study and provide them with the patient information sheet. Willing participants will then be asked to sign the consent form and commence the study. The procedures involve completing questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, solving social problem scenarios; and completing a memory test. The procedure is expected to take about 90 minutes and each participant will be offered as many breaks as required.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0037
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion