The ethnonursing method was used to discover care meanings, expressions, and experiences of the chronically mentally ill to guide nurses in promoting the health and well-being of these people. Fifteen key and 24 general informants were interviewed. Six major themes were abstracted: (a) care as listening and giving presence is meaningful to the chronically mentally ill; (b) they desire to give care to others; (c) they are a subculture; (d) mental illness carries a public stigma in the dominant culture; (e) flexible and growth-promoting care practices are desired; and (f) the chronically mentally ill desire normalcy but fear rejection by the dominant culture.
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