The Psychological Process Leading to Patient's Application for Minamata Disease Compensation:

A Study through Narrative

Abstract

To clarify the psychological process leading up to patients' applications for compensation through the Minamata disease compensation system, we investigated the process by documenting the experience of a qualified Minamata disease patient. The investigation identified three stages of the psychological process which leads to the application for Minamata compensation: 'struggling with anger and concern', 'seeking self-actualization' and 'determination to have a new life'. Eight subcategories within these stages were also identified.
Applying for compensation follows not only the development of a desire for compensation but also a difficult struggle to achieve acknowledgement of two elements: self-actualization and a new future. Results indicated that the decision to apply for compensation was significantly related to behavioural changes supported by another person's assistance (even if only through conversation) and a social process (the compensation system). The applicant's desire for the public health nurse at the resident's nearest facility (administrative organisation) to keep the application secret, not only externally but also within the organisation, was taken into consideration, enabling the applicant to progress through the process with the support of the public health nurse when requested.