[Ambivalences in the relationship of parents towards their schizophrenic or substance dependent adult child: a comparison to their relationships with healthy siblings and to ordinary parent-child-relationships].
OBJECTIVE
This study uses the concept of intergenerational ambivalence to compare the relationship of parents and their schizophrenic or substance dependent child to their relationship with the patient's siblings and to ordinary parent-child-relationships.


METHODS
24 parents of schizophrenic patients, 19 parents of substance dependent patients and 38 parents of healthy adults were interviewed about ambivalences, satisfaction and relatedness within their parent-child-relationships.


RESULTS
Within both comparisons, parents experience in their relationship towards their mentally ill child stronger and more frequent ambivalences and less satisfaction, but feel equally strong related to him as to his sibling or as parents of healthy adults. This is especially true for parents of substance dependent adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapeutic professionals should keep in mind such intergenerational ambivalences and address them in therapy and psychoeducation.
Burkhardt
Amelie
A
Universität Konstanz, Fachbereich Psychologie, Arbeitsbereich Klinische Psychologie. amelie.burkhardt@stgag.ch
Rudorf
Stefanie
S
Brand
Carolin
C
Rockstroh
Brigitte
B
Studer
Karl
K
Lettke
Frank
F
Lüscher
Kurt
K
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D032721:Adult Children / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D005192:Family Health; D005196:Family Therapy; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009769:Object Attachment; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013557:Switzerland