Perceived vulnerability, relapse risk and coping in schizophrenia. An explorative study.

Patients suffering from schizophrenia are faced with numerous adaptational demands as a consequence of their illness. Both directly perceived vulnerability and knowledge about precipitating factors deducted from the experience of recurrent relapses were assessed in a group of chronic schizophrenics. In addition, self-administered coping with symptoms and attempts to prevent relapses were explored. Most patients were aware of both aspects of vulnerability towards social-emotional and cognitive stressors and took various precautions to avoid relapse or to control symptoms. Results are discussed within the context of a theoretical model of coping with schizophrenia.