Training to improve motivation and daily functioning in people with schizophrenia
Official title: Motivation Skills Training to Enhance Functional Outcomes for People with Schizophrenia
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10991389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called Motivation Skills Training (MST) to help people with schizophrenia boost their motivation and improve their daily lives, making it easier for them to engage in work, school, and healthy choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $163,838 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH129552-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are diagnosed with schizophrenia or related disorders and experience motivational deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new intervention called Motivation Skills Training (MST) aimed at helping individuals with schizophrenia enhance their motivation and daily functioning. The program teaches participants about their motivation levels and how to self-regulate their motivation, which can lead to better engagement in work, education, and healthy life choices. By participating in a randomized controlled trial, individuals will receive training designed to empower them to take control of their motivation and behavior, potentially improving their overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide individuals with schizophrenia the tools to improve their motivation and achieve better functional outcomes in daily life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary pilot data suggest that targeting motivation skills in individuals with schizophrenia may be effective, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saperstein, Alice M. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Saperstein, Alice M.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.