Experiences of Hope in Clients with Chronic Schizophrenia

Koh, Moon Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was done to uncover the nature of hope experienced by clients with chronic schizophrenia. METHOD: A phenomenological approach developed by Van Manen was adopted. Data was collected from intensive interviews on 7 clients with chronic schizophrenia and the expatients' biographies and arts. A phenomenological reflection was done in terms of the four life world existentials. RESULT: Corporeality: Perceiving the body feeling better, proudness of self, accepting their own ill body and transcending the limitation of the body, expressing self, and staying within the boundary of a healthy body were disclosed as the body's experience of hope. Spatiality :A place with safety, freedom, peace, and sharing was the space of hope. Temporality :The essential experience of time with hope was the continuity of moving forward amid cycling and moments being filled up with something. Relationality : Connecting with someone, having someone who is dependable, understandable and exchanging interest and love were identified as the relationships of hope with others. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that chronic schizophrenic patients always strive hard to keep hope and they really need someone who can support them.