Patient Activation in Schizophrenia: Insights from Stories of Illness and Recovery

  • Michelle P. Salyers
  • Marianne S. Matthias
  • Sharon Sidenbender
  • Amethyst Green
Original Article
First Online:

Abstract

Using a mixed-methods approach, we sought a deeper understanding of patient activation in 46 participants with schizophrenia. We qualitatively examined narratives for themes related to patient activation and divided the sample based on the mental health version of the patient activation measure. Participants high in patient activation described acceptance, control over illness, a wide range of activities that help them, and highlighted collaborative treatment experiences. The groups did not differ in understanding the cause of illness, what makes symptoms worse, or things they were proud of. Active management of schizophrenia mirrors physical health activation in several ways.

Keywords

Narratives Chronic illness Illness management 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

We appreciate the assistance of Zamal Franks, Tamika Brown, and Grace Schepelmann for data collection and Ray Maietta and Research Talk, Inc., for analysis support. This work was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development Service (IIR 08-324, IAC 05-254, and CDA 10-034). The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC (outside the USA) 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  • Michelle P. Salyers
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
  • Marianne S. Matthias
    • 4
    • 5
    • 3
  • Sharon Sidenbender
    • 4
  • Amethyst Green
    • 4
  1. 1.Department of PsychologyIndiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)IndianapolisUSA
  2. 2.ACT Center of IndianaIndianapolisUSA
  3. 3.IU Center for Health Services and Outcomes ResearchRegenstrief Institute, IncIndianapolisUSA
  4. 4.VA HSR&D Center on Implementing Evidence-based PracticeRoudebush VAMCIndianapolisUSA
  5. 5.Department of Communication StudiesIndiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)IndianapolisUSA

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