title: Relationship-based support for women living with serious mental illness.
abstract: Relationships are critical to a woman's growth and development, yet when living with serious mental illness, developing and nurturing connections can be challenging. This qualitative study explored the nature and quality of support provided within relationships for 14 women with schizophrenia. Families were key supporters. Female friends with mental illness often provided a meaningful source of connection for participants. Problematic relationships, losses over time, and living in poverty were among the barriers to receiving needed support. Participants conveyed a sense of wanting relational reciprocity as they talked about their relationships and place within the community.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. wanda chernomas@umanitoba.ca
authors.forename: Wanda M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Chernomas
authors.forename: Diana E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchinko
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support