Determinants of Personal Recovery in People with Schizophrenia in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60099/prijnr.2026.275639Keywords:
Asia, Determinants, Meta-analysis, Personal recovery, Schizophrenia, Systematic reviewAbstract
Personal recovery in schizophrenia emphasizes hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment beyond symptom reduction. Although numerous predictors have been identified in Western contexts, Asian-specific evidence remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with personal recovery in people with schizophrenia in Asian contexts, focusing on personal experience rather than clinical remission. The systematic review followed JBI methodology for etiology and risk, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020179623). Six databases and gray literature were searched for studies published between 1990–2021 examining factors related to personal recovery in people with schizophrenia across Asian countries. Only quantitative analytical observational studies were included. Two reviewers independently selected, appraised, and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted using MedCalc software.
Results from 2,285 records, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (5 for meta-analysis, 6 for narrative synthesis). Meta-analysis showed a significant, moderate, negative correlation between structural self-stigma and personal recovery (r = -0.409; 95% CI: -0.549 to -0.246; n = 681). Narrative synthesis revealed that clinical factors consistently impeded recovery. Psychological resources facilitated recovery, with hope showing the strongest protective effects (r = 0.641), followed by self-efficacy and self-esteem. Social support enhanced recovery, while loneliness created barriers. Male gender and later onset age were associated with poorer outcomes. In conclusion, personal recovery requires multi-domain interventions targeting hope cultivation, stigma reduction, social network strengthening, and symptom management. These findings provide evidence-based priorities for recovery-oriented practice in Asian contexts, though limitations include study heterogeneity and cross-sectional designs. Future research should explore culturally tailored longitudinal interventions.
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