Client and family narratives on schizophrenia

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the narratives used by clients and family members to explain the process of developing schizophrenia. Specifically, the research questions addressed the narratives used to explain the development of schizophrenia, how this impacted on the client's sense of self and social relationships over time and how the narratives used by health professionals had contributed to this 'sense making' process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight clients of a rehabilitation and continuing care service and eight close relatives of these people. narratives were analyzed using primarily data-driven techniques derived from grounded theory. The narratives produced a temporal model of the experience of schizophrenia over time. Four stages are described: before the first psychotic episode, the first psychotic episode, first hospital admission, and current experiences. Implications for clinical work and services are discussed. It is suggested that clients and family members need continued support to develop their understanding of a complex process traditionally dismissed as madness. Interview