Source
Universität Leipzig, Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, 04103 Leipzig. andreas.hinz@medizin.unileipzig.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The aim is to analyze determinants of subjective quality of life in schizophrenia patients.
METHODS:
Life satisfaction and subjective importance of life domains were assessed in 107 patients (FLZ (M)) and compared with the general population (n = 2974).
RESULTS:
Schizophrenia patients experience lower levels of life satisfaction as well as less meaningfulness in all life domains. According to the range-of-affect hypothesis, patients with low importance ratings judged their life satisfaction more homogenously. While the presence of a partnership increases life satisfaction, parenthood has only indirect influences on satisfaction.
CONCLUSION:
Psychiatrists should not only explore life satisfaction, but also the importance of different life domains and the patient's family relations. Supporting beneficial family relations can increase the quality of life in schizophrenia patients.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart. New York.