Basic self-disturbances are associated with Sense of Coherence in patients with psychotic disorders
Svendsen, Ingrid Hartveit; Øie, Merete Glenne; Møller, Paul; Nelson, Barnaby; Melle, Ingrid; Haug, Elisabeth
Peer reviewed, Journal article
Published version
Date
2020Metadata
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Abstract
Background: The Sense of Coherence (SOC) theory gives a possible explanation of how people can experience subjective good health despite severe illness. Basic self-disturbances (BSDs) are subtle non-psychotic disturbances that may destabilize the person's sense of self, identity, corporeality, and the overall 'grip' of the world.
Aim: Our objective was to investigate associations between BSDs and SOC in patients with psychotic disorders.
Design: This is a cross-sectional study of 56 patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders inside and outside the schizophrenia spectrum (35 schizophrenia, 13 bipolar, and eight other psychoses). SOC was measured using Antonovsky's 13-item SOC questionnaire, and BSDs were assessed using the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE) manual. Diagnosis, symptoms, and social and occupational performance were assessed using standardized clinical instruments.
Results: We found a statistically significant correlation (r = ) between high levels of BSDs and low levels of SOC (r = -0.64/p<0.001). This association was not influenced by diagnostics, clinical symptoms or level of functioning in follow-up multivariate analyses.
Conclusion: A statistically significant association between BSDs and SOC indicates that the presence and level of self-disturbances may influence the person's ability to experience life as comprehensive, manageable and meaningful. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study precludes conclusions regarding the direction of this association.