Psychologists' use of homework assignments with clients who have schizophrenia

Authors

Lindsay G. Oades, University of WollongongFollow
Frank P. Deane, University of WollongongFollow
Nikolaos Kazantzis, La Trobe University
Natalie GlaserFollow

RIS ID

12077

Publication Details

Deane, F. P., Glaser, N., Oades, L. G. & Kazantzis, N. (2005). Psychologists' use of homework assignments with clients who have schizophrenia. Clinical Psychologist, 9 (1), 24-30.

Abstract

This study explored psychologists' use of homework with clients in general and specifically for clients with schizophrenia. A survey of 48 Australian psychologists confirmed patterns of homework use found in a New Zealand study of practitioners. Ninety-six percent of the Australian psychologists reported using homework and whilst homework was used in an average of 59% of sessions it was not administered systematically. Homework was viewed as least important for the problems of delusions and hallucinations. Psychologists reviewed their homework use with 38 clients who had schizophrenia and reported low motivation as the highest obstacle to homework adherence. Suggestions are made for addressing these barriers when working with clients who have schizophrenia.