Motivation Skills Training for adults with schizophrenia

Motivation Skills Training to Enhance Functional Outcomes for People With Schizophrenia

NA · Columbia University · NCT05805397

This study is testing a new training program to help adults with schizophrenia boost their motivation and daily functioning compared to a group focusing on healthy behaviors.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05805397 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Motivation Skills Training (MST) compared to a Healthy Behaviors Control (HBC) group for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The study will involve 80 participants who will undergo baseline assessments and then participate in weekly group therapy sessions over a 12-14 week period. MST focuses on enhancing motivation knowledge and self-regulation skills to improve daily functioning and goal attainment, while HBC emphasizes physical health. The trial aims to establish the feasibility, acceptability, and pilot effectiveness of MST in improving motivation and related outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are medically and psychiatrically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, intellectual disabilities, or significant substance use issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance motivation and daily functioning for patients with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of MST is novel, other studies have indicated that addressing motivational deficits in schizophrenia can lead to improved outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-65
2. DSM-5 Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
3. Medically and psychiatrically stable outpatient status
4. English Fluency

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Indications of Intellectual Disability as documented in medical history or measured by \< 70 premorbid full scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ) estimate
2. Severe substance use within the past three months determined by DSM-5 criteria
3. Neurologic condition causing brain disease
4. Mild to severe cognitive impairment associated with possible dementia measured by a Mini Mental Status Exam score below 20 in individuals ages 60 and older

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Mental Illness, Motivation Skills

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.