This study aimed to examine differences in social interaction characteristics according to the level of social network strength among individuals with schizophrenia who were using a Community Mental Health Welfare Center. The study was conducted with ...
This study aimed to examine differences in social interaction characteristics according to the level of social network strength among individuals with schizophrenia who were using a Community Mental Health Welfare Center. The study was conducted with 19 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who were participating in the recovery support program at a Community Mental Health Welfare Center located in C City, Gangwon State. Over a four-week period, participants were assessed on their social network characteristics (e.g., centrality, network density), and data were concurrently collected using the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ) and the Korean version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Subsequently, a mixed methods design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed.
Quantitative analyses were performed using NetMiner 4.5 (Cyram Co., Korea) to calculate social network centrality indices and SPSS Statistics 31.0 to conduct descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, tertile-based group classification, and one-way ANOVA. Through this process, social interaction characteristics were compared across different levels of social network strength. In addition, the mixed methods research framework proposed by Creswell (2021) was applied, in which qualitative exploration was conducted sequentially based on the quantitative findings.
The quantitative results revealed that the overall social network consisted of 19 nodes and 34 links, with a network density of 0.099, indicating a low level of cohesion. The network was divided into three independent components, and some participants displayed high in-degree centrality (0.22-0.28), suggesting that they occupied central positions within the relational structure. Centrality indices were log-transformed to correct for distributional skewness and the influence of extreme values. Based on tertile distributions of centrality, participants were categorized into high, mid, and low groups. One-way ANOVA showed significant group differences in interpersonal competence (F = 16.975, p < .001) and quality of life (F = 18.998, p < .001). However, no direct correlations were found between centrality indices and interpersonal competence or quality of life; only interpersonal competence and quality of life were positively associated (r = .516, p < .05). These findings suggest that the structural position of an individual within a network alone is insufficient to fully explain their social interaction characteristics.
Qualitative findings showed that participants' relational experiences were summarized under the theme of "relationship-centered psychosocial recovery." Although many individuals perceived their social networks as limited, several meaningful relationships developed through engagement with the Community Mental Health Welfare Center were described as having a significant impact on their daily lives. Four subthemes emerged from the analysis. First, "positive relational experiences and perceptions" reflected how trust, support, and favorable evaluations from others functioned as psychological resources for sustaining relationships and enhancing interactions. Second, "formation of emotional stability" highlighted experiences wherein simple companionship or interaction alleviated anxiety and provided comfort and psychological safety. Third, "self-reflection and growth through others" showed that peers' maturity and approaches to life served as a mirror, fostering internal reflection and behavioral change. Fourth, "relationship-based positive life changes" demonstrated that supportive relationships encouraged participation in social activities and strengthened motivation to confront challenges, ultimately contributing to meaningful changes in daily life.
Furthermore, participants with high network centrality were described as individuals who actively approached others, provided assistance, and created a comfortable interpersonal atmosphere, thereby contributing to relationship formation. In contrast, participants with low closeness centrality exhibited limited interaction frequency and restricted social accessibility, leading to difficulties in forming relationships and increased social withdrawal.
These findings indicate that the relational experiences of individuals with schizophrenia are shaped not by the mere frequency of interactions or their structural position within the network, but rather by the quality of relationships and the experiential meaning derived from them, which play pivotal roles in recovery and positive life changes. This highlights the importance of relational mechanisms that are not fully captured in quantitative indicators.
Therefore, to adequately explain the interpersonal functioning and quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia, a multilayered approach is required-one that considers not only the structural characteristics of their social networks but also the quality and contextual meaning of their relational experiences.