The role of leisure in the lives of psychotic patients: A qualitative study

Abstract Quality of life is defined by indicators that measure the life patterns of a person or community in relation to an ideal model. Leisure is an important component of quality of life and a tool for rehabilitation for patients with chronic psychosis. This qualitative study evaluated the role of leisure in the life of patients living with psychosis. Interviews with patients and relatives indicate that sociability is an important value for both groups. Deeper analysis, however, indicates that sociability is a culturally learned concept for patients and does not relate to their real needs. Improvement of symptoms and respect of individuality are more central to their well-being. Key words leisure • psychosis • quality of life • schizophrenia Interest in evaluating quality of life (QOL) within the context of chronic mental disease began in the 1960s as a result of the unsatisfactory life Vol 46(2): 328–339 DOI: 10.1177/1363461509105822 www.sagepublications.com Copyright © 2009 McGill University transcultural psychiatr