The Constitution of Community: How Individuals Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Their Friends Achieved Community

Abstract

This article describes a qualitative research project, based on a grounded theory design, that addressed the processes involved in how individuals with schizophrenia were able to use their own abilities to form a self-authored community. The article offers a perspective on community integration that takes into account the importance of relationships, and in the case of individuals with schizophrenia, the importance of day-to-day relationships. The assumption is that the constitution of community is an outcome of the processes involved in learning and practicing being social (Cohen 1985, p. 15). These relationships do not necessarily have to be strong or numerous in order for community integration to be realized. In this article it is argued that an element in the establishment of such relationships for individuals with schizophrenia is the ready availability of others on a day-to-day basis. Relationships and friendships grew for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia when such access occurred in a place where the context of what was likely to happen in an interaction was relatively well understood.

Examining the Contribution of Social Network Support to the Recovery Process Among Clubhouse Members

“…In contrast, positive and supportive mental health environments can promote the development of strong, reciprocally-based support networks in which fellow peers serve as sources of encouragement and support (Hardiman & Segal, 2003;Nelson & Lomotey, 2006). These networks can be conceptualized as personal communities that work to support healthy social identities fortified by a sense of meaningful participation in the community (Beal, 1992;Hirsch, 1981;Wilson, Flanagan, & Rynders, 1999).…”

The Formation and Maintenance of Social Relationships among Individuals Living with Schizophrenia

“…There are indications that occupation forms a multidimensional role in the lives of individuals. For persons living with mental illness, occupation has been found to assist in the establishment of daily routines (Beal, 1999;Bryant, Craik, & McKay, 2004), to foster motivation to engage in daily life (Aubin, Hachey, & Mercier, 1999;Hachey, Boyer, & Mercier, 2001), and to contribute to intrinsic satisfaction and positive feelings of well-being (Hvalsoe & Josephsson, 2003).…”

“…Involvement in a routine environment, through various occupational structures-whether faith-based groups, volunteer positions, or employment-was found to contribute to participation in social relationships for participants in this study. Beal (1999) found that participants living with Schizophrenia benefited from social routines that were characterized by low emotional and interactional demands. Beal (1999) found that this context afforded three relationship facilitators: familiar people, safe interaction opportunities, and predictability.…”

“…Beal (1999) found that participants living with Schizophrenia benefited from social routines that were characterized by low emotional and interactional demands. Beal (1999) found that this context afforded three relationship facilitators: familiar people, safe interaction opportunities, and predictability. She states that ''encounters occur out of a routine in the space and time paths people travel in their day-to-day life'' (Beal, 1999, p. 184).…”

“…Social interaction is a process once thought to be void of pleasurable or fulfilling experience for persons living with schizophrenia (Kraeplin, 1971 cited in Topor et al, 2006). Contrary to this traditional belief, a number of researchers (Angell, 2003;Beal, 1999;Boydell et al, 2002;Davidson, Stayner, Nickou, Rowe, & Chinman, 2001b;Davidson et al, 2001a; Formation and Maintenance of Social Relationships 331 Roe & Davidson, 2005) have found that individuals living with schizophrenia both desire social relationships, and gain pleasure from such relationships. It has been shown that individuals living with mental illness, when afforded the opportunity, will enter into the world of social relationships (Davidson et al, 2001b).…”