The causal relationships between neurocognition, social cognition and functional outcome over time in schizophrenia: a latent difference score approach.

Background: Social cognition has been identified as a significant construct for schizophrenia research with relevance to diagnosis, assessment, treatment and functional outcome. However, social cognition has not been clearly understood in terms of its relationships with neurocognition and functional outcomes. The present study sought to examine the empirical independence of social cognition and neurocognition; to investigate the possible causal structure among social cognition, neurocognition and psychosocial functioning.

The prospective relationships among intrinsic motivation, neurocognition, and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia.

To address significant gaps in our understanding about how neurocognition, intrinsic motivation (IM), and psychosocial functioning are interrelated in schizophrenia, this study investigated the following questions: Is IM stable or dynamic over time? Does neurocognition predict change in IM over time? What is the association between change in neurocognition, change in IM, and change in psychosocial functioning? Finally, what is the causal structure of the relationships among neurocognition, IM, and psychosocial functioning over time? One hundred and thirty individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from 4 community-based psychosocial rehabilitation programs in urban Los Angeles. Measures of neurocognition were taken at baseline and 12 months. Measures of IM, psychosocial functioning, and symptoms were taken at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Intrinsic motivation, neurocognition and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia: testing mediator and moderator effects.

Background: This study examined the nature of the relationships among neurocognition, intrinsic motivation, and psychosocial functioning for persons with schizophrenia. Hypotheses concerning both mediator and moderator mechanisms were tested.

Method: 120 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited as they entered outpatient psychosocial rehabilitation programs.

Cross-ethnic differences in perception of emotion in schizophrenia.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine cross-ethnic differences in Perception of Emotion (POE) in schizophrenia. POE is an emerging construct in schizophrenia and involves the recognition and accurate identification of emotion in the facial and vocal expression of others. It has been implicated as relevant to instrumental functioning in schizophrenia, as well as a potential core deficit or marker for the disorder.