Meanings of General Employment in Persons with Schizophrenia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the significance of general employment for persons with schizophrenia. The subjects were twelve persons who were generally employed at the times of the study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, and the transcripts were analyzed by content analysis. The subjects’ transcripts revealed two major themes : (1) confronting self as an employee with schizophrenia and (2) an urge towards becoming a member of society. This qualitative study enables us to understand that for persons with schizophrenia, general employment can cause such persons to simultaneously confront the self as an employee with schizophrenia and regain pride.