Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate psychiatric nursing students' understanding of community living support for people with mental disabilities by analyzing student journals kept during their nursing practicum.
Methods: Data analysis was conducted in accordance with the content analysis methods of Bernard Berelson.
Results: Analysis of the student practicum journals yielded 281 units of analysis, from which two categories (“From self-understanding to understanding others” and“ Trying to live life one's own way”) and nine subcategories (“Building relationships that facilitate self-expression,”“ Building relationships that facilitate understanding of others,”“ A place where one can feel secure,”“ Activities that help people to live their life,”“ Support in line with one's wishes,”“ Support tailored to one's life,”“ Being able to fulfill one's role responsibly,”“ Acquiring self-management skills,” and“ Making the most of one's strengths”) were extracted.
Discussion: Regarding the interpersonal relationships needed for support center users to live in their community, nursing students appeared to learn the importance of building relationships that foster growth from self-expression to understanding others.
In addition, students appeared to deepen their understanding of the practical aspects of trying to live life one's own way, in which people with mental disabilities can participate in various activities at a place where they feel secure while making the most of their strengths in a supportive environment.
Conclusion: The students recognized the importance of the interpersonal relationships needed for support center users to live in their community, from building relationships that facilitate self-expression to those that facilitate understanding of others.
The students also deepened their understanding of the importance of supporting users with respect, helping them find places where they feel they belong, can participate in activities, and can eventually find and use their strengths.
