Good days and bad days: the experiences of children of a parent with a psychiatric disability.
Twenty-two children, ages 5 to 17, described their experiences living within a family that included a parent with a psychiatric disability who was involved in community mental health agency services. The children's descriptions of parents' "good days" and "bad days" were captured in a secondary data analysis of a study that included face-to-face children's interviews. Children also discussed their perceptions of psychiatric disabilities and rehabilitation. Children reported more attention from parents on "good days." They expressed concerns about multiple family stressors and bias associated with psychiatric disability. They had little information about psychiatric disabilities and/or rehabilitation. Children recommended "Get help earlier."
Dept. of Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work, College of Humanities and Social & Behavioral Sciences, Central Michigan University, 038 Anspach Hall, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA. joanner@i2k.com
Joanne
J
Riebschleger
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012938:Social Perception