Abstract
BackgroundAlthough the experiences of mothers with mental illness are well researched in Western countries, little is known about the experiences of Chinese mothers. This study aims to explore the experiences of family life and parenting of Chinese mothers, in the context of their mental illness.MethodsFourteen Chinese mothers with mental illness undertook in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to guide the data analysis.ResultsSeven themes were identified: motherhood as a central identity, the stigma associated with being a mother with mental illness, participants’ perceptions about the impact of mental illness on parenting and their children, experiences of talking to children about mental illness, how having children impacts mothers’ illness and recovery, and support obtained and needed. Similar to Western mothers, Chinese mothers experienced stigma and fluctuating mental illness symptoms which impacted on parenting. Unlike mothers based in Western countries, the mothers interviewed in this study highlighted complicated co-caring relationships with parents-in-law and did not raise child custody concerns.ConclusionsMental health professionals need to have the skills to identify and recognize the mothering role of their clients. Culturally sensitive interventions are required to assist Chinese families where mothers have a mental illness. Future research is required to investigate family experiences of parental mental illness from the perspectives of children, partners, and mental health professionals.
Highlights
The experiences of mothers with mental illness are well researched in Western countries, little is known about the experiences of Chinese mothers
Motherhood was identified as a central identity by all participants even though they experienced much stigma from others about caring for children while managing a mental illness
Having a mental illness impacted participants’ parenting role and behaviours, which in turn resulted in concerns about how their illness impacted on children
Summary
The experiences of mothers with mental illness are well researched in Western countries, little is known about the experiences of Chinese mothers. This study aims to explore the experiences of family life and parenting of Chinese mothers, in the context of their mental illness. Mental illness can impact parenting in various ways which in turn may potentially negatively impact children [1, 2]. Much of the research in this area has focused on the needs of mothers from Western countries, who experience various mental health challenges. The research collected to date from countries such as Australia, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom (U.K.), has found that mothers, who have a mental illness, consider motherhood as a rewarding and important role in their lives [5, 6]. Parenting can play a key role in one’s recovery, especially if parenting responsibilities are embedded into treatment plans [10]
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