Experiences of interpersonal interaction among patients with chronic schizophrenia: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the subjective interpersonal interaction experiences of patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Design and methods: Descriptive phenomenological, purposive sampling, in-depth one-to-one, and unstructured interviews were used. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze narratives.

Findings: Three themes and six subthemes were emerged: Feelings associated with interpersonal interactions (pleasant and unpleasant feelings experienced during interpersonal interactions); interpersonal interaction is a dynamic process (Positive and negative dynamic processes); selection of interaction targets (limitations in the selection of interaction targets and selection criteria for interaction targets).

Practice implications: Professionals should understand the interpersonal interactions experiences of patients with schizophrenia to help them have a better interpersonal relationship.

Keywords: chronic schizophrenia; interpersonal interactions; patients; phenomenological study.