title: Interpersonal relationship narratives of older adults with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses.
abstract: Shared themes connected to interpersonal relationships across the life courses of older adults with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses were identified in first-person life history narratives and explored in depth. Findings were developed through thematic narrative analysis of 35 interviews with 7 older adults currently in treatment for schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses. A combination of open-ended questions, life history calendars, and time diaries were used to structure interviews, and narrative and analytical development. Themes of relational losses, relational voids, relational adjustments, relational adaptations, and the need for solitude were identified and located as they occurred in patterns across the life course. Specific implications for theoretical development, practice, policy, and future research on interventions that address social recovery for older adults with schizophrenia are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University.
authors.forename: Lydia P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Ogden
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D063545:Personal Narratives as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology