Effects of mental illness on family quality of life.
Worldwide, at least 25% of persons and their families are affected by mental illness resulting in significant stress and burden; yet little is known about how the illness affects quality of family life. In this paper, we report a secondary analysis of a grounded theory study that identified the process by which 17 families managed mental illness over time. Families were characterized as Hanging On, Being Stable, or Doing Well based on their responses to caring for relatives with mental illness. Most of the families perceived themselves as Being Stable or Doing Well and four families perceived themselves as Hanging On. In this paper, these descriptors of family quality of life, interpreted within the context of family development and illness trajectories, are presented as a focus of professional support and intervention.
Walton-Moss
Benita
B
The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. bmoss@son.jhmi.edu
Gerson
Linda
L
Rose
Linda
L
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support