Comparison of Temporal Patterns and Meaningfulness of the Daily Activities of Schizophrenic and Normal Adults

Assessment of a patient's use of time and the meaningfulness of activities which make up that time is believed to provide occupational therapists with important diagnostic information. Temporal adaptation, although one of the profession's earliest concepts, remains relatively unexplored. Using a cross sectional survey, a pilot study of time use behaviors and perceived meaningfulnes (enjoyability, autonomy, and competency) of daily activities was conducted for a sample of normal and schizophrenic adults. This paper presents the significant differences and trends that were uncovered, suggesting a relationship between schizophrenia and temporal dysfunction does indeed exist.