Abstract
This study clarifies the transformation process of self-concept in mentally disabled individuals residing in local communities and enrolled in a group nursing-therapy program on the cognitive behaviour of self-esteem recovery. Ten participants, who attended the programme, were questioned using a semi-structured interview about their self-concept in the past, present and future. Thereafter, the collected data were analysed qualitatively and inductively using the modified grounded theory approach (M-GTA). As a result, eight categories were extracted with ‘hatching of mind from its own shell’ being identified as the core category. Two categories, labelled ‘stagnation in a whirlpool’ and ‘worthless self,’ were perceived after the mental disorder, and they underwent ‘relief from stress through interaction with people who understand you,’ and thereafter transformed into ‘pride in one’s own lifestyles’ as well as ‘a sense of not being bothered by people.’ In addition, the realisation of a ‘newborn self’ has led to the realisation of the present ‘solid sense of a fulfilling life’ and discovered a ‘description of an ideal image’ geared towards the future self. The negative self-concept resulting after the onset of illness has changed to a positive one, after meeting people who understand the illness. This shows that mentally disabled individuals need a place where they can speak out about their true selves and be accepted in a secure atmosphere with people sharing similar experiences or understanding the illness.
