Narratives on the course of schizophrenia : client and family reflections on process and the impact on self

A qualitative methodology was employed to explore the narratives of clients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. These were used to obtain a subjective perspective on the course of schizophrenia and its impact on a person's sense of self Narratives from a nominated relative provided an alternative perspective on this process and thus served to increase the validity of the findings. Research questions specifically addressed the process of making sense of the experiences over time and the role of professionals within this, the impact on sense of self and the impact on relationships with others. Semi-structured inter-views were conducted with 16 participants. These were audiotaped, transcribed then grounded theory was used to analyse the data. Results were used to build a stage model which charts the process over time. It is tentatively hypothesised that earlier vulnerabilities in the formation of self are expressed during adolescence due to the developmental need to separate from parents and develop an adult identity. Implications for clinical work and services are discussed.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Barker, Sarah C.

Language dc:language

en