A Study on Schizophrenic`s Experience in Election Participation

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the meanings and values of voting to the schizophrenics who have participated in voting, and thereby to pave the road for them to increase the chances of social participation. The study employs qualitative methods such as focus group and one-to-one interviews and thematic analysis and content analysis. Nineteen participants of the research have both taken part in assembly and president election. Main findings of the study are as follows. The schizophrenic’s experiences of election participation could be grouped into four Categories (Category 1: the perceived meanings of election by them, Category 2: the values of election placed by them, Category 3: their expectations from election, and Category 4: their wishes of no discrimination in election participation.), Each category could be further grouped into 13 Theme Clusters (Category 1: rights of one man one vote, privilege that should never be surrendered, selection of trustworthy political servants, election as duty; Category 2: belief in better life, enjoyment of freedom through participation, enjoyable festival, dignity as a whole person; Category 3: preferable characters of political candidates, expectations from politicians; Category 4: accessibility to election campaign pledges, needs for basic education on election, hope of the more patients’ participation in election). This study concludes with some suggestions for those mental rehabilitation services providers to be an advocate for mental patients such as the schizophrenics.