Smooth a heart with water: Thai mothers care for a child with schizophrenia.
Little is known about caregiving of persons with schizophrenia in Asian families. This report explores culturally specific beliefs and patterns of response among Thai families. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Thai mothers of adult children with schizophrenia. Thai mothers responded to children's symptoms by practicing Thum-jai and creating a calm family environment. Maternal response was constituted by concerns about social expectations, escalation of the symptoms, and violating cultural values. Assessment of and attunement to Buddhist beliefs in the care of Thai families and immigrants are recommended.
Rungreangkulkij
S
S
Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. somrun@kkul1.kku.ac.th
Chesla
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C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002016:Buddhism; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000208:ethnology / Q000451:nursing*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012945:Social Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013561:Symbolism; D013785:Thailand