Psychological Flexibility for Supporting Social Participation Among Thais With Depression: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

This research study aimed to develop a substantial model of how individuals with depression engage in daily life and redevelop social participation by addressing the psychological flexibility of social participation among 19 outpatient Thai adults with depression from their perspective. The constant comparative method was used to analyze 34 interview transcripts with nonparticipatory observation notes. The results consist of three correlated categories, namely, realizing the meaning of coexistence, challenging social participation, and committing to sustained social participation. Experience of depression might affect family and community participation; thus, the first category was understood to promote a flexible attitude and sustain performance.

Keywords:

• depression
• psychological flexibility
• emotional awareness
• social participation
• Thai

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the participants for their willingness to share their experiences.

Authors’ contributions

Conception and design of study: S. Phadsri; acquisition of data: S. Phadsri; analysis and/or interpretation of data: S. Phadsri, A. Tanimura, R. Shioji, J. Jaknissai, S. Apichai, D. P. G. Yao; drafting the article: S. Phadsri; revising the article, approval of the version of the article to be published: S. Phadsri, A. Tanimura, R. Shioji, J. Jaknissai, S. Apichai, D. P. G. Yao.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

All necessary information that supports the findings of this study are provided within this article. Raw data are confidential and cannot be shared because of ethical concerns.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.