Lived experiences of being a father of an adult child with schizophrenia.
The aim of this study is to analyze and describe lived experiences of being a father of an adult child with schizophrenia. Interpretations of interviews with seven Swedish fathers of sons or daughters with schizophrenia revealed a pattern of gradually changing existential consequences. After an initial period of shock when receiving the diagnosis, a long struggle to regain control follows. The findings are presented in a structure based on eight different aspects of this struggle, which seems to be characterized by a balance between grieving and adaptation. An important conclusion is that the fathers' life-world must be attended to in professional family interventions.
Nyström
Maria
M
Växjö University and Borås University College, Sunnerviksgatan 14, 41872 Gothenburg, Sweden. Maria.nystrom@hb.se
Svensson
Henrik
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D032721:Adult Children; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005195:Family Relations; D005220:Fathers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia; D012649:Self Concept; D013548:Sweden