Perceptions of patients with psychosis on living an active lifestyle

Abstract

The aim of the study was to gain insights into how people living with psychosis at a psychiatric hospital describe what living an active lifestyle means for them. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to guide the methodology. The study involved three participants diagnosed with psychotic disorder living at an institution offering long-term in-patient treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, including inviting participants to ‘walking-by-talking’ and to bring photos representing their notions of an active lifestyle to enhance the richness of the data and increase participants’ agency. All participants talked about a range of different activities they associated with an active lifestyle. One important dimension of these activities was the quality of relationships with others. However, as long-term inpatients, the participants experienced individual and structural barriers to living an active lifestyle. Individuals living with psychosis revealed a broader and deepened understanding of how an active lifestyle is and is profoundly bound to living a socially active life, beyond ‘physical activity and exercise’. The participants described how long-term hospitalization made them feel that their real life was on hold. These seem to be important challenges to address, in order to offer meaningful activity integrated with treatment. The study highlights the importance of individual, relational and contextual meaning dimensions.