effect of activity therapy on self-esteem among patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction: schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that adversely affects patients’ self-esteem. activity therapy has been shown to positively influence self-esteem. this study aims to examine the efficacy of activity therapy in improving self-esteem among patients with schizophrenia. methods: in this randomized controlled study, 79 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. the participants were assigned into intervention (39 participants) and control groups (40 participants) using computer-generated randomization. researchers used the rosenberg self-esteem scale (rses) to assess the participants’ self-esteem. the intervention group underwent activity therapy of making bags and envelopes using paper for seven days. the control group received routine psychiatric care. the post-test assessment was done using rses after 7 and 15 days of intervention. data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using spss software version 21. results: the total self-esteem score at both 7 days and 15 days post-intervention were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. conclusion: evidence suggests that structured manual activities, such as the fabrication of paper bags and envelopes, may contribute to enhanced self-esteem and greater self-efficacy in patients, thereby facilitating improved psychosocial functioning. however, additional rigorous research is required to substantiate these observations.