Background: Several studies have shown that persons with schizophrenia (PWS) suffer from severely reduced quality of life (QoL). Impaired social functioning is a defining characteristic of schizophrenia (SZ) and socia...Background: Several studies have shown that persons with schizophrenia (PWS) suffer from severely reduced quality of life (QoL). Impaired social functioning is a defining characteristic of schizophrenia (SZ) and social cognition deficits affect interpersonal relations and outcomes such as independent living, vocational functioning and employment status. Some studies have demonstrated important socio-cultural aspects of SZ, for instance by examining experiences of SZ in different developing countries and among minority groups in the Western world. The socio-cultural context is central to understanding patients’ experiences in any society, however. Using an anthropological approach, we use qualitative research methods to examine patient perspectives on SZ. Sampling and Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews are carried out with SZ patients in France, the UK and the USA representing diversity in Western mental health systems. Results: To the participants, the most important QoL aspects are close relations and support from loved ones, a safe home and comfort zone, and meaningful daily activities. Normalisation and independence act as central themes to patients’ QoL and hopes for social integration. The participants need a buffer zone consisting of social relations, a home and daily occupation that is flexible and may balance issues of equality/inequality, abnormality/normality, and dependence/independence. Conclusion: By using participatory methods, PWS may be involved in shaping their own treatment and recovery plans based on what is subjectively meaningful and beneficial to their mental health. QoL and functioning are closely linked to the socio-cultural context in which health care structures go hand in hand with health care cultures that shape patients’ expectations and preferences.展开更多
Song of The Chu, a novel written by LAN Zi-- a Chinese Australian writer, recounts the struggle in Australia over 20 years （1988-2008） of a group of Chinese young people. Cultural difference or even conflict is one ...Song of The Chu, a novel written by LAN Zi-- a Chinese Australian writer, recounts the struggle in Australia over 20 years （1988-2008） of a group of Chinese young people. Cultural difference or even conflict is one of the inevitable issues in terms of migration. The Chinese （Han） culture which belongs to the continental civilization and the Australian （Western） culture which belongs to the maritime one are both mighty and cannot be conquered or assimilated by each other. This means that the Chinese immigrants to Australia, compared to the ones from a less mighty culture, are more sensitive and resistant to the impact of an alien culture, which leads to a conscious or unconscious sense of security of the mother culture. Cultural security, not unidirectional, also refers to the worry by the locals of the impact brought by the immigrants. The protagonist resorts to converting to Buddhism as a solution to the cultural schizophrenia展开更多
文摘Background: Several studies have shown that persons with schizophrenia (PWS) suffer from severely reduced quality of life (QoL). Impaired social functioning is a defining characteristic of schizophrenia (SZ) and social cognition deficits affect interpersonal relations and outcomes such as independent living, vocational functioning and employment status. Some studies have demonstrated important socio-cultural aspects of SZ, for instance by examining experiences of SZ in different developing countries and among minority groups in the Western world. The socio-cultural context is central to understanding patients’ experiences in any society, however. Using an anthropological approach, we use qualitative research methods to examine patient perspectives on SZ. Sampling and Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews are carried out with SZ patients in France, the UK and the USA representing diversity in Western mental health systems. Results: To the participants, the most important QoL aspects are close relations and support from loved ones, a safe home and comfort zone, and meaningful daily activities. Normalisation and independence act as central themes to patients’ QoL and hopes for social integration. The participants need a buffer zone consisting of social relations, a home and daily occupation that is flexible and may balance issues of equality/inequality, abnormality/normality, and dependence/independence. Conclusion: By using participatory methods, PWS may be involved in shaping their own treatment and recovery plans based on what is subjectively meaningful and beneficial to their mental health. QoL and functioning are closely linked to the socio-cultural context in which health care structures go hand in hand with health care cultures that shape patients’ expectations and preferences.
文摘Song of The Chu, a novel written by LAN Zi-- a Chinese Australian writer, recounts the struggle in Australia over 20 years （1988-2008） of a group of Chinese young people. Cultural difference or even conflict is one of the inevitable issues in terms of migration. The Chinese （Han） culture which belongs to the continental civilization and the Australian （Western） culture which belongs to the maritime one are both mighty and cannot be conquered or assimilated by each other. This means that the Chinese immigrants to Australia, compared to the ones from a less mighty culture, are more sensitive and resistant to the impact of an alien culture, which leads to a conscious or unconscious sense of security of the mother culture. Cultural security, not unidirectional, also refers to the worry by the locals of the impact brought by the immigrants. The protagonist resorts to converting to Buddhism as a solution to the cultural schizophrenia
