Volume 19, Issue 1 (Spring-In Press 2024)                   Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing 2024, 19(1): 0-0 | Back to browse issues page


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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)
URL: http://salmandj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2528-en.html
1- Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Counseling, 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.
Abstract:   (1434 Views)
Objectives Caring for an adult child with schizophrenia is mostly done by the parents, who are often in old age. The physical condition and age of elderly parents and the constant dependence of patients on them may have a significant impact on how parents care for a child with schizophrenia. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the experiences of elderly parents of living with an adult child with schizophrenia.
Methods & Materials In the present study, the qualitative method and phenomenological approach were used for data collection, and the seven-step Colaizzi’s method was used for data analysis. Through purposive sampling and maximum diversity strategy, 16 elderly parent were selected from among those who were referred to the treatment and support centers in Tehran. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. This study follows the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.
Results Four main themes and eleven sub-themes were extracted from the findings of the study. The theme of emotional burden included three sub-themes of endless fear and worry, feelings of regret and shame, and grueling sadness and anger. Three sub-themes of impaired social and family communication, helplessness and inefficient support, and challenges of the healthcare system formed the theme of the burden of care. In the theme of optimal and effective care, the sub-themes of purposeful effort for the patient's recovery and commitment and responsibility were identified. Finally, the sub-themes of spiritual coping strategy, psychological adaptive strategy, and psychological maladaptive strategy were included in the theme of coping strategies.
Conclusion Caring for an adult child with schizophrenia for elderly parents brings an unfavorable psychological burden and outcome. It is essential to support elderly parents by health care professionals to overcome psychological challenges during care and to use as much psychological adaptive strategies as possible by holding workshops and psycho-educational interventions.
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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Psychology
Received: 2022/11/01 | Accepted: 2023/02/14 | Published: 2024/03/29

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