Negative symptoms and depression predict lower psychological well-being in individuals with schizophrenia

Previous studies have demonstrated that negative symptoms are linked to lower rates of recovery in individuals with schizophrenia when recovery is defined objectively in terms of symptom remission, vocational outcome, and social functioning. In the current study, we followed up these prior investigations by examining the other aspect of recovery, the subjective component, to determine whether negative symptoms predict lower self-reported well-being. Participants included 56 individuals with schizophrenia and 33 controls who completed self-report measures of psychological, social, and emotional well-being. Individuals with schizophrenia also completed a battery of symptom measures. Results indicated that individuals with schizophrenia self-reported lower psychological well-being than controls in relation to all 6 domains assessed: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. However, there were no differences between groups on global self-reported emotional or social well-being. In addition, negative symptoms and depression were found to be significant predictors of psychological well-being among individuals with schizophrenia. These findings indicate that lower psychological well-being may be characteristic of individuals in the chronic phase of schizophrenia, particularly those with negative symptoms and/or depression. Implications for recovery-focused psychosocial programs are discussed.