Introduction: In Japan, the concept of Ibasho has been developed to support vulnerable populations. Ibasho is a unique Japanese concept that represents a place, environment, or relationship where individuals feel a sense of safety, acceptance, and belonging within their community. For individuals with schizophrenia to live in the community, Ibasho is essential. However, how Ibasho is created within the community remains unclear.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the key elements and processes involved in the development of Ibasho for individuals with schizophrenia through interviews.
Methods: The participants were seven individuals with schizophrenia living in the community. Each participant underwent a semi-structured interview lasting approximately one hour. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Ethical considerations included providing participants with written explanations of the study, ensuring they fully understood the purpose and procedures, and obtaining their informed consent prior to participation.
Results: A conceptual framework consisting of 18 sub-categories and 4 categories was developed. The transformation of a community space into Ibasho was influenced by the participants’ “perceptions of the place,” which evolved from ‘a place to try’ to ‘a place to feel safe’ and finally into ‘Ibasho’. This transformation was influenced by three key factors: “occupational experiences,” “habituation,” and “environmental conditions.”
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the creation of Ibasho for individuals with schizophrenia in the community is influenced by four key elements: “perceptions of the place,” “occupational experiences,” “habituation,” and “environmental conditions.”