A conceptual framework for work-related social skills in psychiatric rehabilitation

A conceptual framework for work-related social skills applicable to psychiatric rehabilitation is developed. This is a three-tier framework comprising basic skills, core skills and the results subsequent to the possession of these skills. Its validity has received preliminary support through a survey which collected opinions from front-line workers in psychiatric rehabilitation, ordinary blue-collar workers and people with schizophrenia. In addition, a list of representative skill components relating to the different constructs of the framework was generated. Its relevance for the design of tailor-made assessment and training packages for work-related social skills for people with schizophrenia is discussed.