An Exploratory Study on the Psychological Experiences of Families of People Living with Schizophrenia under Forensic Care at Mathari Hospital, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Family members of People living with schizophrenia under forensic care (PLWSUFC) find themselves in a multifaceted situation. Families are considered important in increasing the patients’ chances of living a well-functioning life after discharge from psychiatric facilities. In Kenya, scanty evidence exists on exploration of the psychological experiences of such families facing a paradox. The aim of this study was to explore the psychological experiences of families with a relative under forensic care in Mathari Hospital having committed a crime under the influence of schizophrenia. The study was guided by the Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. This qualitative study used phenomenology research design and recruited a sample size of 14 participants an open-ended question was asked during the semi-structured in-depth interviews and recorded. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and data analyzed thematically. The findings from the study revealed that families of PLWSUFC at Mathari Hospital, suffered negative emotions which were: rejection, unresolved anger, ambivalence, denial, despair fear and unrequited love, The study recommends that counseling psychologists develop appropriate psycho education programs for families in this situation. Such programs are envisioned to improve families’ psychological well-being, better management of the patients and reduce recidivism.