From institutions to living in the community : the lived experience of adults with psychosocial disabilities

Abstract

This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the experiences of six adults with psychosocial disabilities who were previously institutionalised and now live in community-based homes with support. Participants were recruited through local organisations in Malta that provide supported living to persons with psychosocial disabilities. The study employed the social relational model of disability as its conceptual framework. Data was generated through one-to-one, semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that living in Malta’s mental health institution resulted in a miserable existence for the participants, who shared their harrowing experiences of institutionalisation. All six participants preferred living in the community, which provided more opportunities and greater life satisfaction. However, some participants still faced challenges in the community-based homes due to the unsupportive attitudes of some staff. While four participants were satisfied with their living conditions, the remaining two reported being given a lack of choices, and feeling ignored and rejected by some staff, who frequently sought petty excuses to transfer them back to the institution. The study also found that participants had concerns about the inadequate mental health services in the community, and faced barriers from primary health centres, housing authorities, banks, insurance companies, and workplaces. Verbal abuse, derogatory language, fear, and apprehension were commonly used towards individuals with psychosocial disabilities, highlighting the ongoing prejudice, stigmatisation, and discrimination they faced in the Maltese community. Participants had limited social connections and engagement in social or leisure activities outside of their immediate community, raising concerns about their quality of life in the broader community.