Preserving Integrity: experiences of people with mental health problems living in their own home in a new neighbourhood

For patients with mental health problems, de-institutionalization has meant a shift from institutional care to living in the community. However, several studies show that problems of stigmatization, loneliness and negative attitudes devalue the dignity and autonomy of these patients. The aim of this...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nursing ethics
Authors: Granerud, Arild (Author) ; Severinsson, Elisabeth (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage 2003
In: Nursing ethics
Further subjects:B Focus Group
B Neighbour
B Autonomy
B mental health problems
B Integrity
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:For patients with mental health problems, de-institutionalization has meant a shift from institutional care to living in the community. However, several studies show that problems of stigmatization, loneliness and negative attitudes devalue the dignity and autonomy of these patients. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how people with mental health problems experience living in an apartment of their own. The data collection method was focus group interviews. The constant comparative method revealed the main category ‘preserving integrity’. The subcategories were: the need for control over information, similar relationships with both friends and neighbours (symmetrical contact), and ‘My home is my castle’. Participants who lived in a group home had little or no contact with their neighbours. The participants experienced lack of acceptance and loss of autonomy when meeting people. Integrity was a necessary condition in order for them to become equal citizens, experience autonomy and dignity, and have the opportunity to develop social contacts.
ISSN:1477-0989
Contains:Enthalten in: Nursing ethics
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1191/0969733003ne650oa