The effects of contactless Dohsa-hou on outpatients with schizophrenia during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

Dohsa-hou therapists assist clients through physical contact, however, this is not advisable during the coronavirus pandemic; instead, contactless Dohsa-hou is safer and more secure. In this study, we examined the possibilities of applying contactless Dohsa-hou for outpatients with schizophrenia as a self-care method and its effects on them. We administered the program 7 times for 8 outpatients with schizophrenia in a psychiatric rehabilitation center. Thereafter, they underwent a voluntary implementation period for two to three weeks at home. The results suggested that the contactless Dohsa-hou improved self-existence of mind and body (d = 0.83) notably, and slightly improved sense of independence (d = 0.49), balance of mind and body (d = 0.21), irritability and anger (d = 0.23), well-being (d = 0.39), and third-party evaluation (d = 0.29). Therefore, the study showed that contactless Dohsa-hou can stabilize the physical and mental state, even when conducted under the self-restraint period during the pandemic. This study may provide helpful information in implementing contactless Dohsa-hou for outpatients with schizophrenia amid the coronavirus pandemic.