[Developmental conditions and subjective experiences of children with a schizophrenic parent--qualitative and quantitative studies from the Mannheim Study of Children at Risk].
OBJECTIVE
35 children 12-42 years of age of patients with schizophrenia (ABC-Cohort-12-year-follow-up) were interviewed for studying objective and subjective effects of growing up with a schizophrenic parent.


METHODS
Social development and childhood experiences were assessed and quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated.


RESULTS
The majority of probands had to take on early responsibilities in their family. Experienced deficits in parental care and problems with poor communication within the family were also mentioned. Compared with controls they showed only light disadvantages in the level of education and vocational training.


CONCLUSIONS
Even if early independence could be a positive resource for children with a schizophrenic parent the restrictions in the child's life and development should not be overlooked. Information on the illness and support in dealing with stressful situations are frequently needed.
Könnecke
Regina
R
Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, J5, 68159 Mannheim.
Wening
Ursula
U
Ropeter
Daniel
D
Heiden
Wolfram an der
Wa
Maurer
Kurt
K
Häfner
Heinz
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D002655:Child Custody; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D012306:Risk; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*