Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Kern, R. S. Articles by Green, M. F. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Kern, R. S. Articles by Green, M. F. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Other Treatment

Applications of Errorless Learning for Improving Work Performance in Persons With Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Until recently, few training methods used in the psychosocial rehabilitation of persons with schizophrenia have taken into account the neurocognitive deficits common to this illness. The present study tested a training method called errorless learning (which theoretically compensates for neurocognitive impairments) for efficacy at teaching entry-level job tasks to persons with serious and persistent mental illness. METHOD: Sixty-five unemployed, clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly assigned to training by means of either errorless learning or conventional instruction for two entry-level job tasks (index card filing and toilet tank assembly). Training was conducted in small groups of four subjects for 90–120 minutes in a simulated workshop. Efficacy—as measured by accuracy, speed, and overall productivity—was assessed immediately after training and at a 3-month follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: Significant group differences in accuracy that favored errorless learning were found on both job tasks. In terms of productivity, the errorless learning group was superior to the conventional instruction group on the card filing task, and differences for the tank assembly task approached significance. There were no significant group differences in speed. Both groups showed significant drops in accuracy and productivity on the tank assembly task from immediately after training to the 3-month follow-up evaluation; performance levels were more stable for both groups on the card filing task. CONCLUSIONS: Errorless learning appears to be a useful training method for establishing introductory high levels of performance in the work rehabilitation of persons with schizophrenia. Future studies may wish to test its long-term durability by embedding it within supported employment programs.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. S. Kern, R. P. Liberman, D. R. Becker, R. E. Drake, C. A. Sugar, and M. F. Green Errorless Learning for Training Individuals With Schizophrenia at a Community Mental Health Setting Providing Work Experience Schizophr Bull, March 6, 2008; (2008) sbn010v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Watzke, P. Brieger, O. Kuss, H. Schoettke, and K. H. Wiedl A Longitudinal Study of Learning Potential and Rehabilitation Outcome in Schizophrenia Psychiatr Serv, March 1, 2008; 59(3): 248 - 255. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. Provencher, N. Bier, T. Audet, and L. Gagnon Errorless-Based Techniques Can Improve Route Finding in Early Alzheimer's Disease: A Case Study American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, March 1, 2008; 23(1): 47 - 56. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Kopelowicz, R. P. Liberman, and R. Zarate Recent Advances in Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia Schizophr Bull, October 1, 2006; 32(suppl_1): S12 - S23. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				V. Roder, D. R. Mueller, K. T. Mueser, and H. D. Brenner Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT) for Schizophrenia: Is It Effective? Schizophr Bull, October 1, 2006; 32(suppl_1): S81 - S93. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. I. Velligan, R. S. Kern, and J. M. Gold Cognitive Rehabilitation for Schizophrenia and the Putative Role of Motivation and Expectancies Schizophr Bull, July 1, 2006; 32(3): 474 - 485. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Yager, L. Mellman, E. Rubin, and A. Tasman The RRC Mandate for Residency Programs to Demonstrate Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Competency Among Residents: A Debate Acad Psychiatry, October 1, 2005; 29(4): 339 - 349. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. Cook, H. S. Leff, C. R. Blyler, P. B. Gold, R. W. Goldberg, K. T. Mueser, M. G. Toprac, W. R. McFarlane, M. S. Shafer, L. E. Blankertz, et al. Results of a Multisite Randomized Trial of Supported Employment Interventions for Individuals With Severe Mental Illness Arch Gen Psychiatry, May 1, 2005; 62(5): 505 - 512. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. S. Kern, M. F. Green, S. Mitchell, A. Kopelowicz, J. Mintz, and R. P. Liberman Extensions of Errorless Learning for Social Problem-Solving Deficits in Schizophrenia Am J Psychiatry, March 1, 2005; 162(3): 513 - 519. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J Sergi, R. S Kern, J. Mintz, and M. F Green Learning Potential and the Prediction of Work Skill Acquisition in Schizophrenia Schizophr Bull, January 1, 2005; 31(1): 67 - 72. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				OTHER ARTICLES NOTED (25 Oct 02 to 17 Jan 03) Evid. Based Nurs., April 1, 2003; 6(2): e1 - 7. [Full Text]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2002 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us