THE CONTENT OF THE INTERNAL PATTERN OF DISORDER IN ADULTS WITH MENTAL DISORDERS

The internal pattern of disorder, as a component of the Self-concept, influences the mechanism and effectiveness of a person's social adaptation. The main objective of the study is to determine the features of the Self-concept and the content of the main components of the internal pattern of the disorder in adults with intellectual disabilities. The research methods: “Tell Me About Yourself” technique (Shchetinina, 2000), “The Study of Internal Disorder Pattern” conversation technique (Adeeva, 2018), “Social atom” technique (Moreno, 2001), a technique based on the method of semantic differential (Adeeva, Tikhonova, Khazova, 2019). The study sample is represented by 22 people; the average age of the group is 23.

The results of the study revealed contradictions and insufficiency (difficulties) in the formation of the Self-concept and the internal pattern of the disorder characterized for the people with mental disorders. On the one hand, the Self-concept is characterized by the stability and absence of contradictions. The majority of respondents highly rate their physical and personal qualities, recognize their basic life skills, and do not want to change anything in their life. The internal pattern of the disorder has contradictions. The respondents are satisfied with their body condition and appearance (physical component). The respondents note that they differ from other people in character, appearance, and skills. Approximately 25% of the respondents deny having a disorder. However, about 70% of the respondents indicate difficulties in learning and performing some commonplace activities. The majority of the respondents demonstrate the lack of knowledge about their wellbeing, its causes, and restrictions (the cognitive component). About 30% of the respondents are not satisfied with their health condition, suffer significant difficulties in social interaction. They experience anxiety when communicating with strangers, visiting shops, and government agencies, moving around the city. The system of social relations of such respondents includes only two or three people. A significant place in the system of their social relations belongs to parents.