[Experiences of hope in clients with chronic schizophrenia].

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.