Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory that explains how persons with schizophrenia (PWS) experience connecting with mental health professionals (MHPs). Nine PWS, clients from two community mental health centers, were asked to recount their interactions with MHPs. The interview transcripts were analyzed through the grounded theory methodology of Strauss and Corbin (1998). The interactional problem between PWS and MHPs stems from the stigma associated with schizophrenia. The central concept emerged from the data analysis as Connecting Through Humanness. Connecting Through Humanness is a three-part process where PWS identify whether MHPs stereotype them as schizophrenics or regard them as unique human beings. The first part, called Displaying, encompasses the circumstances under which PWS present themselves to MHPs for treatment. The second part, Sizing-Up, is the way in which PWS evaluate whether MHPs communicate understanding, compassion, and normalcy during the interactions. The result of Sizing-Up provides the basis for the final part of the process, called Classifying. PWS classify MHPs as helpful or not helpful. The MHPs whom PWS classify as helpful, validate their self-perceptions as unique human beings. The resulting theory is that PWS experience connecting with MHPs as interactions that are based upon mutual humanness. Descriptions in the literature of PWS and MHP interactions support the findings of this study. In addition, the conceptualization of the theory's central category. Connecting Through Humanness, is supported by nurse researchers in the extant literature. Nurse-patient relationships can be improved by applying the findings of this study to current practice and future research projects.

Description

This dissertation has also been disseminated through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Dissertation/thesis number: 9978965; ProQuest document ID: 304589116. The author still retains copyright.

Author Details

Susan V. Brammer, PhD, RN, CNE

Sigma Membership

Beta Iota

Type

Dissertation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Grounded Theory

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Schizophrenia, Interactional Processes, Mental Health Professionals

Advisor

Elaine Miller

Second Advisor

Margaret Miller

Third Advisor

Connie Ragiel

Degree

PhD

Degree Grantor

University of Cincinnati

Degree Year

2000

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2022-03-02

Full Text of Presentation

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