Volume 19, Issue 1 (Spring 2024)
Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2024, 19(1): 2-21 |
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Sharifi M, Younesi S J, Foroughan M, Safi M H, Khanjani M S. Elderly Parents' Experiences of Living With an Adult Child With Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2024; 19 (1) :2-21
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2528-en.html
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2528-en.html
Mehdi Sharifi1 
, Seyyed Jalal Younesi2 , Mahshid Foroughan * 3, Mohammad Hadi Safi4 , Mohammad Saeed Khanjani2
, Seyyed Jalal Younesi2 , Mahshid Foroughan * 3, Mohammad Hadi Safi4 , Mohammad Saeed Khanjani2
1- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Counseling, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,foroughanm@gmail.com
4- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.
2- Department of Counseling, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
4- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan, Iran.
Abstract: (3095 Views)
Objectives Caring for an adult child with schizophrenia is mostly done by the parents, who are often in old age. The physical conditions and age of elderly parents and the constant dependence of these patients on them may have a significant impact on the quality of care. The present study aims to investigate the lived experiences of Iranian elderly parents with adult children having schizophrenia.
Methods & Materials This is a qualitative phenomenological study. Colaizzi’s seven-step method was used for data analysis. Using a purposive sampling method and considering maximum diversity, 16 elderly parents of adults with schizophrenia were selected from among those referred to the treatment and support centers in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used in this study.
Results Four main themes and 11 sub-themes were extracted. The theme of emotional burden included the sub-themes of “endless fear and worry”, “regret and shame”, and “sadness and anger”. The theme of caring burden included the sub-themes of “impaired social and family relationships”, “helplessness and ineffective support”, and “challenges of the healthcare system”. The theme of optimal and effective care included the sub-themes of “purposeful effort for the child's recovery” and “commitment and responsibility”. The theme of coping strategies included the sub-themes of “spiritual coping strategy”, “adaptive psychological strategies”, and “maladaptive psychological strategies”.
Conclusion Caring for an adult child with schizophrenia brings is burdensome and have adverse psychological consequences for elderly parents. It is essential to support these parents to help them overcome psychological challenges during caregiving and use adaptive psychological coping strategies by providing psycho-educational interventions.
Methods & Materials This is a qualitative phenomenological study. Colaizzi’s seven-step method was used for data analysis. Using a purposive sampling method and considering maximum diversity, 16 elderly parents of adults with schizophrenia were selected from among those referred to the treatment and support centers in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used in this study.
Results Four main themes and 11 sub-themes were extracted. The theme of emotional burden included the sub-themes of “endless fear and worry”, “regret and shame”, and “sadness and anger”. The theme of caring burden included the sub-themes of “impaired social and family relationships”, “helplessness and ineffective support”, and “challenges of the healthcare system”. The theme of optimal and effective care included the sub-themes of “purposeful effort for the child's recovery” and “commitment and responsibility”. The theme of coping strategies included the sub-themes of “spiritual coping strategy”, “adaptive psychological strategies”, and “maladaptive psychological strategies”.
Conclusion Caring for an adult child with schizophrenia brings is burdensome and have adverse psychological consequences for elderly parents. It is essential to support these parents to help them overcome psychological challenges during caregiving and use adaptive psychological coping strategies by providing psycho-educational interventions.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychology
Received: 2022/11/01 | Accepted: 2023/02/14 | Published: 2024/04/01
Received: 2022/11/01 | Accepted: 2023/02/14 | Published: 2024/04/01
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