Exploring the experiences of mothers who live with and care for an adult son or daughter with schizophrenia

Stringfellow, Alicia 2022. Exploring the experiences of mothers who live with and care for an adult son or daughter with schizophrenia. Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background: The impact of schizophrenia on service-users, their carers, family members, healthcare services and on society in general is significant and due to the range of health and social care needs associated with the illness, the financial cost is high. Families can find witnessing and living with the day-to-day fluctuations of mental state and symptoms and behaviours associated with schizophrenia frightening. Most are ill-prepared to cope, have little knowledge about the condition, and are frustrated by their attempts at trying to access help and navigate a complex health system. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the impact on mothers who live with and care for an adult son or daughter with schizophrenia. Method: To meet the aims of the study, narrative methodology was selected. Six purposively recruited participants were interviewed using a Biographical Narrative Interpretive Method of data collection (BNIM). The data was analysed using Wengraf’s (2001, 2006) BNIM of analysis. Findings: Initial findings from the study suggest that mothers of adults with schizophrenia have an unrelenting caring role that is long-standing and pervasive. Furthermore, they experience feelings of guilt, shame, loss and stigma that influences how they seek support, communicate with others and maintain social relationships. Conclusion and impact: The study addresses the gap in the literature that focusses on the experience of UK mothers who live with and care for their adult children. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will inform related health and social care providers of how they can best meet mother’s needs and provide appropriate and timely support that is sensitive and tailored to the mothering role. References: 1. Wengraf T. Qualitative research interviewing: biographic narrative and semi-structured methods. London, Sage; 2001. 2. Wengraf T. Qualitative research interviewing: biographic narrative and semi-structured methods. Thousand Oaks, California, Sage; 2006.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	28 March 2023
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2023 11:21
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/158131

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