[The determination of social skills in schizophrenia]

The author describes a review of research concerning connection between the social skills in schizophrenia and each of the above factors. The problem of the influence of various factors upon the social skills in schizophrenia seems to be very important as far as therapeutic possibilities are concerned. Social skills are a "tool", used in all sorts of contact with other people. They are used both to achieve specific goals, and to satisfy various emotional and social needs. Schizophrenic patients have significantly worse level of social skills than non-schizophrenic patients and healthy people. Deficits in social skills are present in all their aspects: in the topographical features, in the problem solving skills, etc. According to the model of social skills developed in The Clinical Research Center for Schizophrenia and Psychiatric Rehabilitation those skills consist of social schemata, interpersonal problem solving skills, social competence and self-efficacy. Social skills are determined by the cognitive processes, family environment and factors specific to schizophrenia, like premorbid functioning and psychopathological symptoms.