Self-concept clarity in schizophrenia: links to functional impairment and hope for the future

Background<br/>Evidence suggests that individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia have lower self-concept clarity and that an unclear self-concept is related to symptom severity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-concept clarity is linked to functional impairments and hope for the future in individuals with schizophrenia.<br/><br/>Methods<br/>A sample of 130 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia completed the Self-Concept Clarity Scale (SCCS), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Schizophrenia Hope Scale (SHS-9).<br/><br/>Results<br/>Lower self-concept clarity was associated with more functional impairments and less hope for the future. These results remained significant when adjusting for sociodemographic and illness course variables.<br/><br/>Discussion<br/>In individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, self-concept clarity may play a role in daily functioning and hope for the future. The implications for interventions aimed at improving functional outcomes and recovery prospects are discussed.