Patients’ perspectives on what works in psychoeducational groups for schizophrenia

Background: Psychoeducational groups are a common component of interventions in schizophrenia. Aims: To explore patients’ views about wanted and unwanted effects of group psychoeducation. Method: Subjective feedback of 103 participants of a psychoeducational intervention as well as data from two specific focus groups—one with ‘‘enthusiastic’’ and one with ‘‘critical’’ participants—were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants emphasized the importance of information received and of exchanging information with others suffering from the same disorder. Positive effects on coping, activation and social interaction were reported. Perceived overemphasis on illness related information produced defensive reactions, whereas the integration of quality of life topics was appreciated. A pleasant group atmosphere and clinical stability were suggested as important determinants of success. Conclusions: Qualitative analyzses of participants’ views help to understand the potentials of a psychoeducational intervention in schizophrenia.