The Experiences of Research Participants Living With Schizophrenia

Abstract

The importance of understanding the participant experience of engaging in research has great meaning for researchers. This article explores and describes the face-to-face research experience from the perspective of individuals living with a schizophrenic disorder who had previously participated in research. A mixed-method, concurrent triangulation design with 36 participants resulted in three central themes: a similarity of the research experience; the meanings made from interactions with the researcher; and participant motivations for engaging in research. Participation in research may be viewed by marginalized individuals as a unique opportunity to be respected, heard, valued, and financially compensated for their opinions. Findings provide ethical, practical, and educational perspectives for the social work profession.

KEYWORDS:

• mental health research
• social work
• schizophrenia
• experiences
• ethics