Project Summary

Joseph Ventura, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2002) of University of California, Los Angeles, will examine the relationship between measures of neurocognition and perception of emotion, and the use of active coping strategies by schizophrenia patients in actual social problem-solving situations.  Dr. Ventura will identify correlates of problem-focused, active coping strategies versus avoidance and denial in response to negative, stressful events.  The study will determine if a specific set of neuropsychological and perception of emotion assessments can be used as predictors of the type of coping strategy.  He believes verbal working memory and planning and organizational ability will be highly correlated with the use of active problem-focuses coping strategies, and that perception of emotion is a critical component for active coping strategies.  This study may stimulate the development of new intervention programs aimed at teaching coping skills.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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