Relationship between Communication Skills and Positive, Negative Symptoms among Patients with Schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a mental illness characterized by both positive and negative symptoms, which can affect patients’ communication abilities. Aim of the study: to explore the relationship between communication skills and positive, negative symptoms among patients with schizophrenia. Research design: A descriptive correlational research design was conducted. Setting: was carried out in the inpatients’ departments of Psychiatric Health and Addiction Treatment Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A purposive sample of 66 patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. Tools of data collection: data was collected using (A socio-demographic interviewing sheet, The Communication Skills Questionnaire, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)). Results: the finding indicated a statistically significant relationship between levels of communication skills and positive, negative symptoms among patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: There was statistically significant negative correlation between communication skills and PANSS of schizophrenia. Recommendation: Educational program should be designed and implemented to improve communication skills, enhance social function and involve family members in treatment process