Schizophrenia Patients’ Perceptions of Belongingness and Expectations from Society

Abstract

Abstract Background: The study aimed to deeply examine the perception of belongingness and expectations from society in individuals with schizophrenia. Methods: Phenomenological research design, a qualitative research design, was used in this study. This qualitative research was conducted with 14 individuals with schizophrenia. Interviews were conducted individually and face-to-face using semi-structured forms. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method. The diagnosis of schizophrenia causes many adverse effects like low self-esteem, depression, and collapse in individuals with schizophrenia, and they expect psychological support, prevention of stigmatization, job support, social support, and help for a sense of belongingness from society. Results: Three main themes and thirteen sub-themes emerged from the analysis of the data. The main themes are “emotions”, “psychosocial problems”, and “expectations and needs”. Individuals with schizophrenia experience feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loneliness, loss/incompleteness/not feeling of belongingness. Conclusion: The study revealed that individuals with schizophrenia feel that they lack a sense of belongingness and want to live as a part of society and that stigmatization should be prevented.