The relationship between hope and patient activation in consumers with schizophrenia: Results from longitudinal analyses

Psychiatry Res. 2015 Aug 30;228(3):272-6. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.100. Epub 2015 Jun 27.

Abstract

Hope (goal-directed thinking) and patient activation (knowledge and skills to manage one's illness) are both important in managing chronic conditions like schizophrenia. The relationship between hope and patient activation has not been clearly defined. However, hope may be viewed as a foundational, motivating factor that can lead to greater involvement in care and feelings of efficacy. The purpose of the present study was to understand the prospective relationship between hope and patient activation in a sample of adults with schizophrenia (N=118). This study was a secondary data analysis from a study on Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) - a curriculum-based approach to schizophrenia self-management. Data were collected at baseline (prior to any intervention), and at 9 and 18-month follow-up. As predicted, hope and patient activation were significantly related with each other, showing large positive concurrent correlations. Demographics and background characteristics were not significantly related to patient activation or hope. Longitudinal analyses found no specific directional effect, yet suggested that hope and patient activation mutually influence each other over time. Our findings add flexibility in designing recovery-based interventions - fostering hope may not be a pre-requisite for activating consumers to be more involved in their own care.

Keywords: Cross-lagged panel model; Hope; Longitudinal design; Patient activation; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease / therapy
  • Disease Management
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hope*
  • Humans
  • Indiana
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Patient Participation*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Self Care / psychology*