Abstract
BackgroundVictimization among people with a Severe Mental Illness is a common phenomenon. The objectives of this study proposal are: to delineate the extent and kind of victimization in a representative sample of chronic psychiatric patients; to contribute to the development and validation of a set of instruments registering victimization of psychiatric patients; to determine risk factors and protective factors; and to gain insight into the possible consequences of victimization.Methods/DesignAn extensive data set of 323 patients with Sever Mental Illness (assessed 4 years ago) is used. In 2010 a second measurement will be performed, enabling longitudinal research on the predictors and consequences of victimization.DiscussionThe consequences of (re)victimization have barely been subjected to analysis, partially due to the lack of a comprehensive, conceptual model for victimization. This research project will contribute significantly to the scientific development of the conceptual model of victimization in chronic psychiatric patients.
Highlights
Victimization among people with a Severe Mental Illness is a common phenomenon
The consequences ofvictimization have barely been subjected to analysis, partially due to the lack of a comprehensive, conceptual model for victimization
So far, the consequences ofvictimization have been subjected to little analysis, partly owing to the lack of a comprehensive, conceptual model for victimization [6]
Summary
Victimization among people with a Severe Mental Illness is a common phenomenon. The objectives of this study proposal are: to delineate the extent and kind of victimization in a representative sample of chronic psychiatric patients; to contribute to the development and validation of a set of instruments registering victimization of psychiatric patients; to determine risk factors and protective factors; and to gain insight into the possible consequences of victimization. Changes in mental health care and in the definition of chronic psychiatric conditions have resulted in an increase of 32% in the past decade. Fifty-five to sixty percent of these people were diagnosed with schizophrenia [1,2] Social reintegration of this group of chronic psychiatric patients, as a result of de-institutionalization, has proved to be troublesome and not without considerable discriminatory and stigmatizing tendencies [3]. Studies have shown that psychiatric patients run an elevated risk of victimization [4,5,6]. According to Van Weeghel et al [6], important risk factors include the severity of the psychiatric symptoms, substance abuse, homelessness, previous victimization, previous perpetration and criminal behavior. Possible risk factors are gender, urban surroundings, disadvantaged areas, ethnicity and the quality of social relations [6]
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