What is the main conflict in Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy?

The central conflict in the novel is centered around the question of whether the world of the future into which Connie travels (escapes?) is real or a product of her troubled, fragmented psyche. Does she truly go there or does she merely imagine that she does? Again, the novel makes no clear statements one way or the other. It does, however, make the very clear point that Connie, for all her troubles and bad choices, is a human being, and for that reason deserves to be treated with respect, integrity, and a degree of sympathy/empathy. Is the author making this point to suggest that the same should be afforded to all similarly emotionally/mentally ill people? Not necessarily - but it does seem quite plain that through narrating Connie's experience, she (the author) is advocating for the right to dignity of the individual.