The aim of the research was to explore the subjective experience of patients admitted to a
psychiatric hospital. Sub-aims were to explore how these experiences relate to self
management, stress and psychological well-being. This study was motivated by research
literature that documents a wide variety of negative experiences by patients. A recent
psychiatric patient survey conducted in England and Wales (Mind, 2004) found that more
than 50% of respondents indicated that hospital surroundings had not helped their
recovery. In fact, close to a third of those thought that it had a detrimental effect on their
health. Wood and Pistrang (2004) found that psychiatric patients often represent a lower
status, marginalized group in society and thus their views are often not taken into account
in mainstream research. These results, however, were overwhelmingly based on research
conducted in an American or European context. The South African context is unique in
the sense of our political, economic and social issues that influence people's perceptions.
In relation to other developing and developed nations little research has been done. The
research was conducted at a large Psychiatric hospital in Pretoria South Africa. An
availability sample of five adults from the hospital was used. A qualitative case study
method design was used. Data were obtained through interviews and analysed using
Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (PA) (Smith, 1996; Smith et al., 1997, 1999)
Using the IPA method the data was analysed to extract significant or relevant points
related to the research topic. These themes were then collated with themes that occur in
other accounts and from there tested against the hypothesised outcomes of the
investigation. Positive experiences and negative experiences were identified as the main
themes; these were each divided into sub themes. The negative experiences related
primarily to interaction with hospital staff and -environment, while positive experiences
primarily related to effective treatment. Implications of results are that patient
experiences and perceptions may be more influential for long term psychological wellbeing
than has been acknowledged by care givers within larger mental healthcare
facilities. It was concluded that many if not all of the results of previous studies were
confirmed. Additionally this study recognised that singular positive experiences may to a
greater degree influence patients recovery and maintenance than a combination of
negative experiences. Recommendations following from the findings include further
studies to assess enhanced interpersonal skills training for nursing staff, and greater
community based care facilities. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/934 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | De la Rey, Mark Edward |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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