[On subjective meaning of psychoses. Construction, validation and first application of a new questionnaire--the SuSi-Project (Hamburg)].
OBJECTIVE
A new questionnaire to assess subjective meaning in psychosis (SuSi) will be presented.


METHODS
The questionnaire construction was based on an elaborate process (Delphi-method) involving patients, carers and professionals (trialogue). Statistical validation including factor analysis and assessment of internal consistency of the subscales was carried out using a sample of 90 psychosis patients.


RESULTS
The SuSi-questionnaire is a reliable, valid and complex instrument with six consistent factors on three time levels. 91 % of patients related their psychosis to life events, 52 % reported a positive experience of symptoms and 70 % ascribed positive consequences to their psychosis. Patients relating psychotic experiences to life events assessed their symptoms and prospects more positively. This fact highlights the great significance of subjective meaning attribution.


CONCLUSIONS
The SuSi-questionnaire features good psychometric qualities and offers an empirical acquisition to subjective assessment of psychosis. Results support a more biographical and in-depth psychological orientation of psychotherapy of psychosis.
Bock
Thomas
T
Universitätsklinik Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. bock@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Brysinski
Tanno
T
Klapheck
Kristine
K
Bening
Uwe
U
Lenz
Armin
A
Naber
Dieter
D
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012803:Sick Role; D055815:Young Adult