Experiences in a group of grown-up children of mentally ill parents

Authors: KNUTSSON-MEDIN, L.¹; EDLUND, B.²; RAMKLINT, M.

Source: Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Volume 14, Number 8, December 2007 , pp. 744-752(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

KNUTSSON-MEDIN L., EDLUND B. & RAMKLINT M. (2007) Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing14, 744-752

Experiences in a group of grown-up children of mentally ill parents

Children of mentally ill parents have increased rates of psychopathology and reduced adaptive functioning. However, there are very few studies examining the subjective experiences of those children and their opinions concerning their previous contact with psychiatric services. This study followed up a group of children of former psychiatric inpatients by sending them a questionnaire asking about their experiences. Thirty-six individuals responded. Answers were analysed qualitatively by using manifest content analysis. Participants reported negative experiences and lack of information and support from psychiatric care. They had wanted more explanations and more support for themselves. Quantitative data are used to establish the significance of the results.

Keywords: children of psychiatric patients; mental health services; offspring at risk; parental mental illness; qualitative methods; resilience

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2007.01181.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, University Hospital, and 2: Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Döbelnsgatan 2, Uppsala, Sweden

Publication date: 2007-12-01