60 THE INFLUENCE OF READING THERAPY ON MENTAL REHABILITATION OF SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
Authors: Hu Xiao , Li Ye , Wang* Jin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
As a common mental disorder, schizophrenia brings a huge burden to patients and their families. Due to the complexity of the disease, patients often face many difficulties in the process of psychological rehabilitation, such as weakened self-recognition, social isolation and emotional disorders. In recent years, non-drug intervention programs have been paid more and more attention, among which reading therapy, as a new psychological intervention mode, has shown a good application prospect. Research shows that reading can help individuals enter a state of immersion, promote emotional empathy and social identity, and is especially important for improving cognitive function and emotional regulation. However, there is a lack of research on the specific effects of reading therapy on the psychological rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reading therapy in the psychological rehabilitation of schizophrenia patients.

Methods
The study included 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, all of whom were treated at a mental health center. All patients met the diagnostic criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (receiving reading therapy) and a control group (receiving conventional treatment), with 50 people in each group. Prior to enrollment, all participants filled out a questionnaire with basic information, including age, sex, course of disease, medication use, etc., to ensure that the two groups were balanced on baseline characteristics. The experimental group engaged with various reading materials—literature, psychology books, and motivational articles—tailored to their interests. They participated in weekly group reading events to discuss the books and foster interaction under the guidance of trained counselors. Participants documented their reading experiences and emotional responses, and the treatment team provided regular feedback. In contrast, the control group received standard drug therapy and weekly cognitive behavioral therapy.

Results
The results showed that the anxiety and depression scores of the experimental group were significantly reduced after the intervention, and the scores were 12.3±3.4 points (P&lt;0.001) and 10.5±2.8 points (P&lt;0.01), respectively, while the changes in the control group were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Specifically, the self-efficacy score of the experimental group was significantly improved (P&lt;0.05), and compared with the control group, the improvement effect of the experimental group in various dimensions of mental health was more obvious. Reading therapy not only helps patients better understand their own emotions and experiences, but also enhances their ability to interact with others, thus facilitating the process of psychological recovery.

Discussion
Studies have shown that reading therapy has a significant positive effect on the psychological rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia. By helping patients re-establish self-awareness and social connections, reading therapy not only provides emotional support, but also promotes the patient’s ability to cope with the disease. To sum up, reading therapy provides an effective way for psychological intervention of patients with schizophrenia and can be used as an important part of psychological rehabilitation.

Funding
No.2021JSJG397; No. BY20231462.