What influences purpose in life in first-episode psychosis?

Although purpose in life (PIL) is significant to psychological wellbeing, there is little published research on PIL among those with a mental illness. This prospective study of first-episode psychosis (n = 54) included assessment of symptomatology, PIL and duration of untreated psychosis. The results showed that the baseline PIL scores of those with first-episode psychosis were lower than those of other populations. This was worsened by a long duration of untreated psychosis and was linked to depression. The study concludes that psychosis results in many losses for the individual, including PIL. Meaningful occupation can address this lost sense of purpose and the occupational difficulties associated with psychosis.