Functioning and Happiness in People with Schizophrenia: Analyzing the Role of Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Schizophrenia is associated with marked functional impairment and low levels of subjective happiness. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between subjective happiness and functioning in patients with schizophrenia, while considering the role of cognitive functioning. Methods: In total, 69 schizophrenia patients and 87 matched healthy controls participated in the study. Patients’ clinical status was assessed, and a series of self-report questionnaires were administered to both patients and healthy controls to measure subjective happiness, satisfaction with life, well-being, functioning, and cognitive impairment. A multiple linear regression model identified significant predictors of subjective happiness and related constructs. Results: Schizophrenia participants endorsed lower levels of happiness and well-being, and higher perceived stress compared to healthy controls. In schizophrenia patients, there was an inverse and significant correlation (r = −0.435; p = 0.013) between subjective happiness and functioning in a subgroup of patients without cognitive impairment. This correlation was not significant (r = −0.175; p = 0.300) in the subgroup with cognitive impairment. When controlling for other clinical variables (by multiple lineal regression), the severity of symptoms and level of insight failed to demonstrate significant relationships with happiness; meanwhile, perceived stress and some specific cognitive dominions (as verbal learning and processing speed) were associated with satisfaction of life of the patients. Conclusions: The relationship between subjective happiness and functioning in schizophrenia patients was influenced by level of cognitive impairment. Findings from this study suggest that rehabilitation programs may improve recovery outcomes with a focus on subjective happiness and functioning, especially in patients with cognitive impairment. Future research is needed to better understand the complex interplay between subjective happiness, functioning, and cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia.

Happiness, well-being, and recovery: Experiences of adults receiving psychiatric rehabilitation services.

“…This neglect may reflect stigma toward those with SMI. The findings from this study, while preliminary, suggest that happiness and well-being should be an important consideration during service planning (Fervaha et al, 2016;Gutiérrez-Rojas et al, 2021;Mankiewicz et al, 2013;Palmer et al, 2014;Rekhi et al, 2021). Given the significance contribution of being a parent or grandparent to several participants' happiness, more attention should also be directed toward promoting successful parenting outcomes for persons enrolled in psychiatric rehabilitation programs (Dubreucq et al, 2021).…”

“…Unfortunately, few studies have explored either happiness or SWB for people with serious mental illness (SMI; Agid et al, 2012; Gutiérrez-Rojas et al, 2021; Slade, 2010), although both are important aspects of positive human experience both for their immediate emotional qualities and because they predict other positive outcomes, including mental health, life satisfaction, social relationships, physical health, and even longevity (Diener & Seligman, 2004; Lyubomirsky et al, 2005). Of the small group of empirical studies conducted in this area, most have either compared the happiness and well-being of people with SMI, especially schizophrenia, with a healthy comparison group (Agid et al, 2012; Fervaha et al, 2016; Gutiérrez-Rojas et al, 2021; Palmer et al, 2014) or have examined within group correlates (Rekhi et al, 2021). The preponderance of results report that people with SMI are on average less happy than the general population (see Agid et al, 2012 for an exception, in a small study of young adults with first episode psychosis), though there is considerable variance among people with SMI and many of these individuals may generally be happy.…”

“…A critical, first task to better integrate positive psychology with recovery is to develop a clearer understanding of the phenomena of happiness (and the kindred concept of well-being) for people with SMI. Little is known about how mental health professionals can help support the happiness of people with SMI, even though mental health providers should consider happiness and well-being as a key area for individual goals and services (Fervaha et al, 2016; Gutiérrez-Rojas et al, 2021; Mankiewicz et al, 2013; Palmer et al, 2014; Rekhi et al, 2021). Further, given the paucity of research, there should also be consideration of how persons with SMI conceptualize and experience happiness and well-being in relation to the experience of recovery.…”

Happiness and Mental Disorders

“…Schizophrenia negatively affects happiness [ 16 ], but happiness can still be an achievable goal for people with this disorder [ 17 ]. This finding confirms Saks’s [ 18 ] claim that people with schizophrenia can find “well-being within the disease”.…”

“…There are few studies specifically focused on understanding happiness in severe mental disorders [ 8 , 12 , 13 , 16 , 17 , 19 ]. Some studies have found lower levels of happiness in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia [ 7 , 8 , 12 , 16 , 17 ].…”