Evaluation of the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Group Reminiscence Intervention in a Sample of Inpatients With Schizophrenia

The study used a sequential, multi-phase design to examine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a structured group reminiscence intervention for inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The intervention targeted cognitive performance, communication ability, and social functioning, domains commonly impaired in this population.

Phase I applied a parallel, multi-phase approach with a sample of 38 inpatients. Participants received an 8-week group reminiscence intervention delivered in a structured format. Sessions were conducted regularly and focused on guided recall of past experiences using prompts such as life events, personal achievements, and social roles. The design followed a single-group pretest-posttest structure. Baseline measures were collected prior to the intervention, and the same outcomes were reassessed immediately after completion. Feasibility was examined through recruitment rates, retention, session attendance, and completion of outcome measures. Preliminary efficacy was assessed by comparing pre- and post-intervention scores on standardized measures of cognition, communication, and social functioning. This phase aimed to determine whether the intervention could be implemented within an inpatient psychiatric setting and whether it showed signals of benefit across targeted outcomes.

Phase II focused on acceptability using a qualitative approach. A purposive subsample of eight participants from Phase I was selected to ensure variation in engagement and response to the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted following completion of the program. Interview questions explored participants' experiences with the intervention, perceived benefits, challenges encountered, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, allowing identification of recurring patterns related to satisfaction, perceived relevance, emotional responses, and perceived impact on interpersonal interaction and self-expression. This phase provided in-depth insight into how participants perceived the intervention and whether it was considered meaningful and appropriate in the inpatient context.

The integration of quantitative findings from Phase I and qualitative insights from Phase II allowed a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention. The design supported assessment of both implementation outcomes and early indicators of clinical benefit, which are critical for informing refinement of the intervention and planning for a larger, controlled trial.