title: Patient activation in schizophrenia: insights from stories of illness and recovery.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), LD 124, 402 N. Blackford St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. mpsalyer@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Michelle P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Salyers
authors.forename: Marianne S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Matthias
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sidenbender
authors.forename: Amethyst
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D063545:Personal Narratives as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy