Experiences of Community: Dwelling Schizophrenics Who Use Psychiatric Day Care Services in Developing Life Prospects

Abstract

The objective of this study is to elucidate the experiences of community-dwelling schizophrenics in developing life prospects by a qualitative and descriptive analysis using semi-structured interviews with eight psychiatric day care users.

In developing life prospects, community-dwelling schizophrenics experienced an “orientation stage,” a “trial stage,” and an “action stage” in pursuit of their “life goals and image.” Each of these stages comprised “matters that affect prospects of life.” In other words, “a positive attitude towards mental disorders,” “support from family and friends,” and “use of social resources” improved patients' prospects of life, whereas “difficulty in living with the illness,” “the harsh reality,” “poor ability to reach a compromise with surrounding people,” and “the lack of confidence in daily life” obstructed the prospects of life. Furthermore, “the presence or absence of a sense of daily fulfillment” either improved or obstructed their prospects. Thus, to support the development of life prospects, supporters need to explore possibilities to achieve goals together with patients in a recovery-oriented manner and provide support that intervenes in “matters that affect prospects of life.”