Family resilience experiences of individuals with schizophrenia-family caregivers dyads: Qualitative study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Family resilience is one of the important concepts that should be addressed in chronic mental illnesses. This study was aimed at investigating family resilience experiences from the perspective of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia-family caregiver dyads. The study was conducted in the Adult Psychiatry inpatient and outpatient unit of a university hospital in a province in western Turkey using the phenomenological method. By using the purposeful sampling method, 20 participants were selected in the study. Of them, 10 were family caregivers and 10 were patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The results of the study were analysed with a dyadic approach within the framework of key processes of Walsh family resilience model. The directed content analysis method was used to analyse the data obtained from the study. COREQ checklist was used to report the research. After the analysis, the following five main themes emerged: positive cognitions, routines, family support, intra-family communication and love as a healing force. Family resilience is a structure shaped by the relationship between family members. The factors that contribute to the individual diagnosed with schizophrenia-caregiver dyads' ability to overcome difficulties in family resilience are discussed in line with the relevant literature. Intervention programs should be implemented to create an environment of love by improving relationships and communication in the family, improving problem solving and increasing support resources.