Changes in Object Relations in Long-Term Mentally Ill Patients Treated in a Psychiatric Day-Care Unit

The treatment outcome of a psychiatric day-care unit for long-term mentally ill patients was studied. The aim was to investigate internal representations of object relations among the patients at admission and at a one-year follow up. Another aim was to compare the pattern of, and change in, internal object relations with external events, behaviors, social relationships, and overt change. Twenty individuals, both psychotic and nonpsychotic patients admitted during the first five years of the unit's existence, were included in the study. Instruments used were the Perceptgenetic Object-Relation Test (PORT), the Health-Sickness Rating Scale (HSRS), and qualitative interviews. Patient internal object relations matured during the period of treatment and follow up. The themes in internal object relations were frequently paralleled by similar themes in the individual external life situations. No associations were found between change according to the PORT and the HSRS. This underscores that internal object relat...