Abstract
A qualitative, inductive study using a modified grounded theory approach was conducted to identify components of self-concept of members of a Mentally Disabled Anonymous meeting talking about their experience of the disease while living in the community and discuss nursing care. As a result, three components were found. The self-concept of members participating in activities for disseminating knowledge of mental health is the self they became conscious of through meeting needs, consisting of the self who has regained self who has a hierarchy of needs and the self who is strongly influenced by the environment and remains unable to regain self who has a hierarchy of needs. It is suggested that caregivers should perceive mentally disabled persons as social beings who are influenced by the environment, accept their painful cries as they are, help them attach meanings to their experiences, play a more important role in creating a bridge between mentally disabled people and the community, establish a closer interpersonal relationship to accept them without reserve, and provide them with more opportunities for activities in the community.
