What happens to social relationships in early psychosis? A phenomenological study of young people's experiences

Abstract

Background: Although social relationships have been studied regarding psychotic illness and developmental stages, little is known about the social experiences of adolescents and young adults with recent-onset psychosis.

Aims: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore young people's experiences of social relationships during the recovery phase of first-episode psychosis in order to facilitate their social relations.

Method: Six young people recovering from a first episode of psychosis and attending a Recovery Group Program in an early psychosis treatment facility were interviewed regarding their subjective experiences of social relationships.

Results: Five themes highlighted participants' experiences of losing contact with friends they had prior to their illness, valuing being with people who are understanding, and receiving support from family members and other young people who had also experienced psychosis. The participants also described feeling and being perceived as different, yet building new relationships in the recovery phase of their illness.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the need for psychosocial programs that provide young people with environments that support them to cope with the direct implications of psychosis and to engage in behaviors and activities typical of young adults, thereby supporting the integrative processes following the onset of psychosis.

Declaration of Interest: None.

• Early psychosis
• adolescent psychiatry
• recovery phase
• social behavior
• qualitative research