Within the perspective of the mental patient as a person following a career (Goffman), a number of transition points can be identified. These transition points are simultaneously the end of one career phase and the beginning of another phase in the development and acquisition of a new identity.
Examples of such transition points are admission (including observation), the start and the finish of treatment, discharge, etc.
This research was aimed at documenting the social functioning of former patients as they themselves experienced it. In 1975, a total of 151 expatients from two institutions were studied. Data were gathered about their social situations, a number of months post-discharge and retrospectively concerning their situations at the time of discharge. Our aim was to identify, from ward and interview information, factors related to good and poor adjustment and changes in adjustment. Social interaction in the family with neighbours at work and in leisure-time activities were supposed to be the most important areas for investigation.
Based as the quantitative and qualitative results of the study, a subsequent analysis was undertaken. This further study focussed on the relationship between the nature of inpatient treatment and the rehabilitation of the ex-patient in the face of negative social labeling.