This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based nursing interventions on social cognition, emotion regulation, and psychological flexibility in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study will be conducted at Erzincan Community Mental Health Center (TRSM) between October 2026 and January 2027. A total of 64 participants (32 experimental, 32 control) will be recruited from schizophrenia patients registered at the center. The experimental group will receive 8 structured group sessions based on ACT principles integrated into nursing practice (45-60 minutes per session, once weekly), while the control group will receive routine care only. Pre-test and post-test measurements will be obtained using the Observable Social Cognition Rating Scale (OSCARS), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Brief Form (DERS-16), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II).
Diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10/DSM-5) and followed at Erzincan Community Mental Health Center (TRSM)
Registered at Erzincan TRSM
Duration of schizophrenia diagnosis of at least 6 months
No cognitive or sensory (hearing/visual) deficit that would prevent participation
Comorbid psychiatric diagnosis other than schizophrenia
Active acute psychotic episode at enrollment
Voluntary withdrawal from the study
Acute psychotic relapse during the study period