Relationship between cognitive and social dysfunction in schizophrenia

This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between cognitive functioning, social functioning, and social problem solving in a sample of 30 outpatients with schizophrenia. The cognitive battery included measures of verbal ability, memory, executive functioning, visual-spatial ability, and attention. Social functioning was assessed with the Social Dysfunction Index (SDI) and the Social Adjustment Scale-II (SAS-II). Social problem solving was assessed with a video-based test, the Assessment of Interpersonal Problem-solving Skills (AIPSS). No significant association was found between social functioning as assessed by the SDI and the SAS-II and cognitive functioning. In multiple regression analyses, a measure of attention, the auditory Continuous Performance Test was a significant predictor of processing and sending skills, as assessed by the AIPSS. (F = 16.37, 9.23, p < 0.001).