Family experiences in communicating with family members experiencing social isolation after hospitalization

Abstract

Social isolation is one of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia that is likely to persist after hospitalization. This study aimed to describe family experiences in communicating with post-hospitalized family members experiencing social isolation. This study used a descriptive phenomenology qualitative approach. The research sample consisted of seven participants selected by a purposive sampling method. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with family members of people with schizophrenia who experienced social isolation after hospitalization. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Five themes emerged in this study: a) emotional reactions towards communication changes after hospitalization; b) family coping strategies in communicating with post-hospitalized clients; c) stigma and emotional expression as factors aggravating limited social interaction; d) types of family communication used to fulfill the psychological needs of patients, and e) family involvement in communicating with socially-isolated clients after hospitalization. Family communication becomes part of the adaptation of the family to caring for a family member with a chronic illness. It is recommended that nurses provide mental health education and psychological education on communication skills to family caregivers.