Selbst- und lebenskonzeptionen schizophren erkrankter menschen im mittleren und höheren lebensalter: Eine pilotstudie

The present study explores how middle-aged and elderly (55-69 years) community-dwelling schizophrenic persons (N = 35) perceive and evaluate themselves and their life situation. Assessments were performed using several rating scales and a sentence completion questionnaire (SELE). Representative comparative data of the general population were available from the German Aging Survey. Important aspects in the life of the schizophrenic patients are seen in reduced well-being, negative view of the body and the own person as well as in that great importance from health and autonomy. Compared with their age-peers in the general population they feel less in control of their lives, report more often feelings of loneliness, and are more often dissatisfied with their lives. First of all depressive symptoms are highly associated with various aspects of self and life concepts. Implications of the study results for the improvement of the psychosocial situation in middle-aged and elderly schizophrenic outpatients are discussed.