(Re)-constructing patients’ post-treatment identities through a gender lens: a case among psychiatric patients in Malaysia
| Date | 02 February 2023 |
| Pages | 460-472 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-08-2022-0056 |
| Published date | 02 February 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Nur Zafifa Kamarunzaman |
(Re)-constructing patients’
post-treatment identities through a
gender lens: a case among psychiatric
patients in Malaysia
Nur Zafifa Kamarunzaman
Abstract
Purpose –Psychiatric patients’ post-treatment identities are one of the potent indicatorsreflecting the
efficacy of the medical intervention. This study aims to explore how psychiatric patientsconstruct their
post-treatmentsocial identities through a genderlens.
Design/methodology/approach –This study used a descriptivephenomenological approach, and in-
depth interviews were undertakenon 29 informants with experience of psychiatric treatmentfor at least
one year and who are in the remission stage. The lived experience of each informant was scrutinised,
which covered how psychiatric post-treatment affects and alters their personal life, work and social
relationships.Data collected were then analysed using thematicanalysis.
Findings –The result foundtwo mutually reinforced identities,namely, self-empowerment and resilience
emerged from their experience with psychiatric post-treatment. Firstly, self-empowerment themes
include acceptance of the disorders, meaningful choices, assertiveness and helping others. Such self-
empowerment attributesenabled them to negotiate with the doctors during the treatment and also with
their family membersand partners. Secondly, psychiatric post-treatmentallows them to be resilient; their
good feeling of being liberated from thesymptoms while allowing them to partake in a normal lifestyle.
Meanwhile, gender differences were found to have diverse meaning-making that positively impacted
their lives,particularly among female informants.
Research limitations/implications –Firstly, the data collection was only made in two states in North
Peninsular Malaysia;hence, it would be biased in this sense to generalize to a larger population.At the
same time, a prevalent study could be undertaken to view the pervasiveness of mental illness among
Malaysians. Secondly, the study did not investigate the social institutions that are linked to the relief of
psychiatric patientsin the country. Thus, there is a grey area on how at the systemic levelaid is given to
the patientsand the impact of such action.
Practical implications –A rigour campaignon promoting mental health should be undertaken to create
an inclusiveenvironment for the patients. This is consistentwith the aspiration of deinstitutionalizationand
the Shared ProsperityVision 2030 agenda by the Malaysian government.This is a call for an allotment in
special education,training, and funding, employment, housing and otheraspects that are significant for
their livelihood.
Social implications –The findings discovered that their social environment primarily caused the
depression suffered by thepatients. The remark is particularly true for femaleinformants who had very
little control over theirlives and bodies. Hence, health professionals should consider practicing cultural
and gender-sensitivetreatment for these patients. Such treatmentsare to avoid re-discriminating, or re-
victimisationfeelings to occur during the treatment.
Originality/value –Patients’ post-treatment social identity construction is seldom reported
systematicallythrough a gender lens. This study is one of the earlyefforts on gender lens that allow one to
understandhow it influences social structuresand institutions, especiallyin the Malaysian realm.
Keywords Post-treatment identities, Gender lens, Empowerment, Resilience, Psychiatric patients,
Depression, Malaysia
Paper type Research paper
Nur Zafifa Kamarunzaman
is based at the Faculty of
Administrative Science and
Policy Studies, Universiti
Teknologi MARA,
Seremban Campus, Negeri
Sembilan Branch,
Seremban, Malaysia.
I would like to acknowledge the
guidance of Associate
Professor Dr Nor Hafizah Hj.
Selamat during the data
collection and the preparation
of the report. I also would like to
extend my appreciation to the
Faculty of Administrative
Science & Policy Studies,
Seremban Campus, Negeri
Sembilan Branch; and the
Institute for Research on
Socio-Economic Policy,
Universiti Teknologi MARA,
Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
for their efforts and physical
support in the preparation of
this paper.
PAGE 460 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jVOL. 28 NO. 5 2024, pp. 460-472, ©EmeraldPublishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-08-2022-0056
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