Objective The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of psycho-scene drama on the empathic ability of patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods One hundred sixteen in-patients with chronic schizophrenia were randomly divided into study and control groups (n=58 cases each). The original anti-psychotic drugs were not changed in either group. In the study group, the therapy was combined with psychological scene drama with a treatment course of 3 months. Before and after treatment, the interpersonal reaction index scale (Chinese version [IRI-C]), negative syndrome scale (SANS), social function assessment scale for patients with mental diseases (SSPI), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (SES), the emotional-social loneliness inventory (ESLI), and the Texas social behavior inventory (TSBI) were utilized for measurements.

Results A comparison of the IRI-C total, PT, FS, and EC factor scores before and after treatment in the study group was significantly different (P<0.01); the PD factor score before and after treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). A comparison of the IRI-C total score and each factor score before and after treatment in the control group was not significantly different (P>0.05). A comparison of the IRI-C total, PT, and EC factor scores between the study and control groups after treatment was significantly different (P<0.05). A comparison of the FS factor score between the study and control groups before and after treatment was significantly different (P<0.01); the PD factor score was not significantly different (P>0.05). A comparison of the SANS total, SSPI total, SES total, and ESLI total scores between the two groups after treatment was significantly different (P<0.05).

Conclusion The psycho-scene drama can improve the empathic ability of patients with chronic schizophrenia, improve the negative symptoms and social function, increase the selfesteem and self-confidence, and reduce the loneliness in social interactions.