Psychophenomenology of the Postpsychotic Adjustment Process

A clinical phenomenological study with nine adults with schizophrenia explored the postpsychotic adjustment stage of recovery from a psychotic episode to map a psychological recovery trajectory. Participants (ages 21–37 years) were actively involved in an early psychosis outpatient treatment program. Psychophenomenological analysis of interview data resulted in 458 descriptive expressions reflecting four structural elements. Cognitive dissonance involved achieving pharmacological efficacy and cognitive efforts to “sort out” the experience. Insight was distinguished by mastery of autonomous performance of reality checks. Cognitive constancy was marked by resuming interpersonal relationships and age-appropriate activities. Ordinariness involved consistent engagement in daily activities reflective of prepsychosis functioning.