Motives for Participation, Initial Expectations, and Satisfaction with Group Psychoeducation Among Forensic Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the motives, initial expectations and satisfaction with group psychoeducation among forensic patients with schizophrenia in a high-security setting. Two complementary methods were applied: a total of 39 patients were interviewed and anonymous questionnaire data (n= 34) were collected from them. The results of the study offer positive indications about group psychoeducation among severely ill forensic patients with schizophrenia in terms of high acceptability and high overall positive feedback. Interviews revealed that patients need and appreciate new information about their illness, the opportunity to discuss illness-related issues, and the possibility to get support from other patients. We find it promising that some of these severely ill patients had been able to reflect on the educational information in their personal situations in such a way that it had become the participant's personal knowledge. The interview data, however, revealed also some concerns and dissatisfaction which was more person-specific and mainly related to the group content and format. These issues should be considered when conducting such groups in the future. Methodologically, we suggest combining quantitative and qualitative methods to better understand the process, effects, experiences, and satisfaction with psychosocial interventions among such patients.

Keywords:

• group psychoeducation
• schizophrenia
• patient satisfaction
• high-security forensic setting