INSIGHT INTO SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS: IMPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY

Abstract
This paper reviews a study that examined the relationship between insight and engulfment in a dysfunctional patient role for 25 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 33 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. A strong relationship was found between these two constructs, however, qualitative data revealed that insight into illness does not necessarily lead to dysfunction. Patients maintain positive self-image by using strategies of reflecting positively on patient identity development and making self-enhancing comparisons with other patients. The study indicates that practitioners can build on such processes to foster insight with a positive, functional patient identity.

Key words
Insight, mental illness, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, patient identity

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