Jaramillo, Justin R.. A phenomenological investigation of motivational deficits in chronic schizophrenia. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3K073NS
DescriptionThe present study consists of a qualitative examination of motivational deficits in patients with chronic schizophrenia. In addition to persistent difficulties with motivation, all participants exhibited prominent negative symptoms. The complicated relationship between the negative symptom classification and motivation was discussed. The study included 12 male subjects, ages 27-57, who were recruited from two outpatient day treatment programs for people with chronic mental illness. Data was gleaned via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative data analytic methodology. Results indicated that, despite outward appearances and observed behaviors (e.g., the appearance of indifference often interpreted from the presence of flat affect,limited social/vocational activity, minimal efforts to initiate socialization,frequent premature discontinuation of social interaction, limited occupational seeking, etc.), the individuals involved in this study indicated that theydesire sustained social relationships and were interested in engaging in some degree of gainful employment. A number of factors were identifiedin subject reports as contributing to motivational impairment, particularly in the areas of socialization and occupational functioning: difficulty understanding the interpersonal dynamics of goal pursuit; the prominence of a poor sense of self-efficacy and associated beliefs that undermine goal accomplishment; stigmatization as a perceived obstacle to socialization and employment; and anxiety/stress that appeared to interfere with goal-oriented planning and behaviors. In light of the presence of favorable psychological attitudes towards interpersonal relationships and work, the subjects in this study appeared primed for interventions that may tap into their intrinsic interests and help to attenuate the influence of factors that may contribute to chronic motivational diminishment. In particular, treatments targeting maladaptive cognitions and negative affect within a framework of social guidance and support were suggested as potentially facilitating the amelioration of poor motivation in this population.