Illness uncertainty, psychological well-being and psychological resilience in people with schizophrenia

Introduction Patients with schizophrenia experience uncertainty due to unpredictable symptoms, disease progression and lack of information about the illness, treatment and prognosis. Studies underline that illness uncertainty is a risk factor in schizophrenia, while psychological well-being and quality of life are critical outcomes. Psychological resilience is also recognised as having a mediating role. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between illness uncertainty, psychological resilience and psychological well-being in people with schizophrenia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 150 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (DSM-5) were recruited. Data were collected using the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community Form, the Psychological Well-being Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and pearson correlation analysis. Results The mean age of people diagnosed with schizophrenia who participated in the study was 37.52±10.62 years, 41.3% (n=62) were high school graduates, 68.7% (n=103) were single, 53.3% (n=80) had income equal to expenses, 59.3% (n=89) were not working, 54.7% (n=82) lived with their parents and 38.7% (n=58) had children. The study found a negative and weak relationship between the mean MUIS-C total score and the mean PWBS total score (r=-0.359), and also a negative and weak relationship between the mean MUIS-C total score and the mean CD-RISC total score (r=-0.287). Conclusions It is important for health professionals to assess the uncertainty experienced by people with schizophrenia, to examine its impact on their psychological well-being and to understand how they cope with their illness. Disclosure of Interest None Declared