BUDDY TREATMENT MODEL FOR CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENICS

This study dealt with the use and evaluation of the “buddy” treatment model for hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patients. Essentially, this model pertained to pairing patients and then maximizing their exposure to each other in their living situation and all daily activities. In an effort to promote motivation for work, mutual interaction and shared responsibility between buddies, the model made the privileges each buddy received contingent upon the weekly average behavior rating score of the buddy pair. The rationale for the use of the buddy system was discussed in terms of the fairly common social occurrence of this type of relationship and the generally held benefits for the participants. The results of the study, based on clinical impressions and corroborated by statistical analysis, indicated a marked improvement in behavioral functioning of the patients exposed to the buddy treatment model. It should be noted, however, that the general enhanced performance by the group of patients, 28 in all, was chiefly a function of the marked improvement of 12 of the patients. Furthermore, behavioral improvement for a number of these patients did not necessarily lead to discharge from the hospital. Nevertheless, even given these qualifications, it was the authors’ impression that the buddy treatment model held significant therapeutic potential for the chronic schizophrenic patient. © Williams & Wilkins 1969. All Rights Reserved.