An unexpected visitor and a sword play: a randomized controlled trial of collective narrative therapy groups for primary carers of people with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background Most family carer support programs focus on supporting carers with caregiving-related knowledge and skills to help their family members who suffer from schizophrenia in their recovery process while carers’ inner resources and preferred identities are less emphasized in the existing studies. Aims The present study uses collective narrative therapy groups (CNTG) to promote the inner strengths and agency of family carers and help them to explore their preferred identities while caring for family members with schizophrenia. Method To ensure an evidence-based intervention, 89 Chinese family carers of people with schizophrenia took part in this three-wave longitudinal program evaluation study using a randomized controlled trial design. Results Compared with the control group, family carers in CNTG reported better family relationships, a lesser caregiving burden, and more perceived inner resources. Repeated one-way ANOVA revealed that CNTG improved family relationships, the caregiving burden, the level of hope and inner resources in the posttest, and a statistically significantly better mental health condition in the follow-up. Conclusion This study shows that collective narrative psychotherapy is effective in supporting family carers of people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Based on the research findings, we discuss the strengths of the program and its implications for practitioners.