EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A BEHAVIORAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM BASED ON NEUROPLASTICITY THEORY FOR DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS, SELF-CARE, AND INDEPENDENCE IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
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Date
2025-11-20
Authors
Kort, Nadeen Wael Jabra
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
This thesis investigates whether building a therapeutic program that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with neuroplasticity-based principles can help individuals with schizophrenia lead more independent lives. Schizophrenia often affects thinking, emotions, and social skills, and even the day-to-day basic tasks. Highlighting the effects of schizophrenia, participants took part in a program that integrated regular CBT sessions to speak about their thoughts and anxiety with activities specifically aimed at stimulating brain plasticity. A sample of this thesis is ten participants who were randomly assigned to either the combined experimental group or to a control group receiving the therapeutic program. Before the start of the program, we measured the LADL of the participants. Over 6 months, we measured the LADL again and used SPSS software to measure the effect of the program on their daily life, especially personal hygiene, medication management, social interaction, and self-care, along with decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
The results of this study reveal that the experimental group exhibited significant progress in various areas. They were more socially active and, hence, more capable of managing their daily routines, to an extent that their achievements were statistically superior to those in the control group. However, changes in diet awareness and social reasoning at a higher level barely occurred.
Besides, a few participants have kept reporting medication, induced increased appetite. The results thus provide the first signs that a combined method of psychological therapy and neuroscience might help patients to develop their everyday skills and regain some independence.
The researcher of this experiment underlines the importance of constant, guided assistance and points to the requirement for future studies that will aim at maintaining and further advancing these benefits over the long term.