The first 10 minutes of each session was devoted to ‘warming-up’, including instruction on relaxation and breathing techniques and homework practice. Then, the next 60 minutes consisted of demonstrating scenarios, coaching, role playing and overt modelling, practising and providing emotional and behavioural feedback. The last 10 minutes was devoted to sharing emotions and their behavioural expression, discussing homework and reminding participants of the time and place of the next meeting.
The instruction consisted mainly of handling introductions, understanding and recognizing assertive behaviours, making and declining requests, becoming eloquent, learning cognitive-behavioural skills, modifying thinking patterns and responding to questions, criticism and appraisal, as well as enhancing techniques for self-appreciation and self-asser-
tion. All patients were undergoing standard drug treatments (antipsychotics and mood stabilizers and/or benzodiaze-
pines) for schizophrenia prescribed by the psychiatrist involving similar drugs with individualized doses). Written instructions were followed to ensure uniform procedures for all groups.