| Meaning of Recovery from Mental Illness: Findings of a Qualitative Study |
|
Hee Jung kim |
|
Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Kyungwon University |
| 정신장애로부터의 회복 의미에 관한 질적 연구 |
|
김희정 |
|
경원대학교 간호학과 부교수 |
Correspondence:
Hee Jung kim, Tel: 82-31-750-5978, Fax: 82-31-721-2239,
Email: illine@paran.com
|
|
Received: 1 July 2009 • Revised: 23 September 2009 |
| Abstract |
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of recovery from the perspectives of people with mental illness.
Methods
Three focus groups were interviewed by 15 mental health consumers in 2 community mental health centers and 1 psychosocial rehabilitation center. The interview data were analyzed following a constant comparison method by Strauss and Corbin.
Results
Six major themes and 13 sub-themes emerged as follows: 1) symptom relief; relieving behavioral symptoms, thought stabilization, 2) achieving insight; obtaining understanding about the psychiatric medicine, obtaining insight about mental illness, 3) stabilization of ego function; beginning to make judgement, beginning to be in control, 4) making interpersonal relationships; being able to communicate, having meaningful relationships, entering into a good interpersonal relationship, 5) confronting the realities of life and independent living; putting up with the given situation, challenge for independence, 6) building up positive attitude; positive self-recognition, achieving hope.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that further qualitative research about the recovery experience of people with mental illness is needed to explore the essential concept of recovery and to develop recovery conceptual framework in Korea. In addition, to find facilitators and inhibitors of recovery and recovery promoting strategies, further research is needed at practical level. |
| Key Words:
Mentally ill persons; Recovery; Qualitative research |
|
PDF Links
Full text via DOI
Download Citation
