How identity is impacted by schizophrenia: a metacognitive lens

Abstract

Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world's population (Almulla et al., 2021). Individuals with schizophrenia not only present with symptoms of hallucinations and emotional dysregulation but also demonstrate a loss of identity. This paper evaluates the literature surrounding schizophrenia through the lens of metacognition, highlighting elements of autobiographical and episodic memory. The paper also describes the etiology, epidemiology, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery progression that may be experienced by someone with schizophrenia. Accordingly, I evaluate the literature via the experience of someone with schizophrenia while also providing insight into the importance behind reviewing metacognitive research for an illness that disrupts an individual's identity.