BEN IK GEK? Een fenomenologische studie over de essentie van zelfstigmatisering tijdens het ziekteproces bij jongvolwassenen met schizofrenie

Abstract

Am I Crazy?

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric illness. The first schizophrenia-related psychosis is experienced as a young adult. In this period, life transitions take place from dependence to independence on financial, social and emotional level. Being diagnosed with schizophrenia may result in self stigmatisation which, in turn, negatively affects self-efficacy. A higher level of self efficacy could contribute to recovery and achieving set goals.

Aim: To gain knowledge on experiences of self stigma, which can enhance nurses ability to adequately support their patients in their recovery and social development.

Method: Qualitative descriptive phenomenological research in accordance with Husserl’s transcendental school. Data were collected using unstructured in-depth interviews with eight respondents. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed in accordance with Giorgi’s five steps. The structure of the experiences was described from meaningful units. The objectivity of the study was optimized by bracketing and peer debriefing.

Findings: Before they are diagnosed with schizophrenia, young adults experience social poverty and degeneration. In this experience, self-stigma appears and finds an important breeding ground. Young adults can’t really grasp what is wrong with them. The diagnosis may increase negative self perception and self stigma, yet it may also give hope of recovery. Patients show remarkable power in working on social recovery.

Conclusions: Giving hope is a good remedy against self-stigma. Nurses should not solely focus on disorders, they also need to try connect with the world and live of patients. Self efficacy and self-esteem can be enhanced by ensuring building in small successful experiences. Nurses can often support by stimulating and helping to achieving patients own goals.

Keywords: Self-stigmatisation, young adults, schizophrenia