Abstract
Objective: This study aims to develop a detailed analysis of the subjective experiences of people with schizophrenia living in highly staffed supported accommodation.
Methods: Thirteen participants were audiotaped for one semistructured interview. The transcription and identified themes were discussed with the participants for feedback. Analysis of the interviews and feedback used grounded theory methodology.
Results: A unifying social theory was developed called ‘A Way to Survive’. Survival experiences for these participants ranged from the life threatening to the mundane. The major categories linked to survival were; psychosis, identity, alienation, God/religion, family, basic life stuff and health services.
Conclusions: A number of implications for service development and clinical practice were identified. Qualitative methodology for people with persistent psychotic symptoms allows for a depth and richness of information that may not be accessed using quantitative techniques. A number of difficulties in both collection and analysis arise from the presence of psychosis and further research in this area is required.