Living with Schizophrenia : professionals’ perspectives

Abstract

This study explores the reality of individuals living with schizophrenia through the professional`s perspective. Special attention will be given to the formation of a stigmatised identity through social interactions. Semi-structured interviews with six psychologists who have worked with clients diagnosed with schizophrenia, contribute towards developing a theory about the subject matter. Present stigma within social interactions plays a major role in the person`s quality of life (Hasan & Musleh, 2017). It significantly reduces one`s self-esteem and may also aggravate the symptoms of the illness (Yanos, Roe, Markus, & Lysaker, 2008). Stigma results in the formation of an ill identity (Kaufman & Johnson, 2004). This paper concludes with recommendations for future research and possible interventions.