Psychiatric patients' views on the concept of self-determination: findings from a descriptive study

Using content analysis of unstructured interviews, this study examined the views of 72 long-term psychiatric patients on the concept of self-determination. The aim was to shed further light on the meaning of the concept for the purpose of developing a better tool for evaluation. One-third of the patients were familiar with the concept, another third had never heard of self-determination. The majority (52 patients) presented their views and definitions regardless of whether they had heard of the concept before. Content analysis revealed two central aspects in the definitions: an intrapersonal aspect, with self-determination defined in relation to the patients themselves or to their own activities; and an interpersonal aspect, with the focus on the patients' relationship with other persons. In spite of its limitations, the study certainly adds to our understanding of the concept of self-determination. It demonstrates that psychiatric patients are capable of offering valuable insights into key concepts of nursing, even if they are abstract. The results open new avenues for strengthening the self-determination of psychiatric patients.