Social Cognition Training for Enhancing Affective and Cognitive Theory of Mind in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

Abstract

People with schizophrenia disorder show the presence of a deficit in social cognition (SC). Several proposals of intervention for social cognitive deficits in schizophrenia have been raised. The present study aimed to provide an update to the state-of-the-art of SC training in schizophrenia, with specific analysis on their efficacy on ToM, which is deeply involved with social dysfunction in this disorder. Furthermore, we proposed to investigate the efficacy of SC training both on ToM cognitive and affective components. We conducted a systematic review, screening 5251 articles; 26 studies met our inclusion criteria. Interventions included were very heterogeneous. To test the efficacy of SC training on ToM domain, we conducted a meta-analysis. Our results showed that SC multidimensional training programs have a positive effect on ToM domain, with a moderate effect on both cognitive and affective ToM subcomponents. Future investigations about which could be the best option for the enhancement of SC in schizophrenia are needed, contributing to expanding the state-of-the-art of SC training in this disorder.

Keywords: Social interaction; metacognition; neuropsychology; sociocognitive development; training and development.