Psychiatric Illness Persons' Structure of Mind, Body and Behavior When They Felt Low Self-Esteem

Abstract

A qualitative, inductive study was conducted to describe the experiences (structure of mind, body and behavior) of persons with psychiatric illness when they felt low self-esteem to develop a nursing care program to facilitate self-esteem recovery. Data was collected from 34 persons with psychiatric illness living in the community, and then analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. As a result, five components were found. When the conditions which lowered their self-esteem were present, their 'negative self-image' was activated, and 'unbalanced thoughts' whirled around in their minds, they continued 'to feel as if they were chased down,' 'uncomfortable physical phenomenon' developed, and they could not help exhibiting 'self-defensive or aggressive behavior.' They were involved in this vicious circle, which could be interpreted to arise from their obsession with themselves. It is suggested that in order to assist persons with psychiatric illness to break out of the vicious circle the nurses should help them perceive their 'negative self-image,' make modifications to it, enhance mental and physical relaxation, and become more conscious of affirmative self-evaluation.