Tracing social inclusion throughout the life-course
Tracing social inclusion throughout the life-course
Social inclusion—the ability to belong, participate, and build meaningful connections—is often difficult for people living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). This thesis of Jaisi Hao investigates the life-course of SSD to deepen the understanding of its progression, using social inclusion as a lens. Rather than a mere treatment goal, social inclusion is also an integral part of SSD development.
Using data from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Spain, this thesis underscores three core insights. First, social inclusion is multidimensional, reflecting diverse and personal patterns of participation and exclusion. Second, SSD unfolds along a broad continuum, from early vulnerability to first-episode psychosis and long-term outcomes, with highly varied trajectories. Third, early developmental and social adjustments—how children and adolescents manage challenges in their environments—seem to forecast adult social inclusion, suggesting that vulnerabilities accumulate early. Importantly, social inclusion tends to remain relatively stable across the life course, rooted in early development and the environments surrounding youth. This positions youth inclusion not only as a treatment target but as a proactive pathway toward resilience, recovery and better long-term mental health.
The thesis calls for forward-looking, inclusion-oriented strategies that grow with individuals, grounded in youth development, resilience-building, positive narratives, and ongoing assessment for timely identification of difficulties. Such efforts demand cross-disciplinary collaboration and sustained investment. By tracing inclusion from childhood onward, this work shows how strengthening belonging early can support healthier minds and more inclusive societies.