Research Proposal



Introduction3

Background3

Objectives5

Hypothesis5

Methodology5

Literature Review6

Schizophrenia6

Suggested Interventions in Minimizing the Impact of the Illness7

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Methods8

Proposed Results9

Conclusion10

References11

Research Proposal

Introduction

People living with schizophrenia have goals, talents, and feelings just like anyone else. However, if left untreated, their ill health can have a deeply negative impact on their own lives, their communities and their families. Among people with schizophrenia, the low rate of employment is a strong prompt of the crippling effect of the disease, and the need for betterment in treatment (Marwaha et. al., 2007). 73% to 90% of people with schizophrenia, i.e. a vast majority of schizophrenic patients are not employed at any given time, and those people who are employed are actually part- timers or are in non-competitive workplaces, for instance, enclave jobs or workshops (www.jhsph.edu/, 2002; www.nami.org/). The presence of symptoms is also considered as one of the obstructions to employment. While living with Schizophrenia, working is an enormous challenge and majority are not at the point, where having an employment is a feasible option (CAMH & CMHA, 2010). Provided the unemployment and underemployment's high rates among individuals with schizophrenia, the role work has in the lives of people, who have been successful vocationally during their recuperation from schizophrenia has been investigated by only a small number of studies (Dunn et. al., 2008; Marwaha & Johnson, 2004; Marwaha & Johnson, 2005). The proposed study seeks to add to existing literature by finding out how work is perceived by individuals and its impact on their recovery.

Background

Schizophrenia is a major adult mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions, reduced motivation and drive, and cognitive impairments that has a significant impact on all aspects of functioning, including work and school, social relationships, and self-care and independent living skills (Mueser & Gingerich, 2006). Since the illness may bring about unusual, inappropriate, and at times disorganized and unpredictable behavior, people who do not get effective treatment are often eschewed and can turn out to be the targets of social injustice. Compared with the general population, competitive employment rates are low in schizophrenia, with most estimates in the Europe and United States pointing out fewer than 20% of schizophrenic people are working (Marwaha, 2007; Rosenheck, 2006). Dissatisfaction with the low rates of employment is indicated by surveys of consumers with schizophrenia, with 55%-70%, pointing an interest in work (Holley, 1998). The unemployment costs are high in this population. Besides the apparent advantages of enhanced financial resources and presuming a socially value role, employment opportunities has been associated with modest clinical gains in people with serious mental illness, encompassing less severe symptoms and increased self-esteem (Bell, 1996; Bond, 2001). While there is no dramatic impact of work on clinical functioning, some support seems to appear for the old saying that “work is good therapy.” (Harding, 1987) Moreover, the work promise keeps the prospect for eliminating or reducing disability's income payments to some people with mental illnesses.

At the verge of adulthood, the beginning of schizophrenia most commonly takes place (Harrop & Trower, 2001; Kumra, 2007)- when young ...