The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of loneliness among psychiatric patients. The sample included 12 adults receiving treatment in a psychiatric facility. Data consisted of audiotaped semistructured interviews. Ten empirical categories resulted. Further analysis of empirical data provided a description of psychiatric patient's experiences of loneliness. The metaphor of living on an island illustrated the core category. Subcategories included escape attempts and surviving tidal waves.
Adaptation, Psychological Adult