[How do mothers and fathers suffering from schizophrenia experience their parenthood? Results from an in-depth interview study].
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at investigating the experience of parenthood in schizophrenia patients with young children and their needs for assistance.


METHODS
26 interviews with mothers and fathers suffering from schizophrenia/schizo-affective disorder were examined using content analysis.


RESULTS
The study participants experience their parental role ambivalent, as resource and distress. Most patients are aware oft the fact that, at times, their parental competence is restricted, and they need external assistance. Nevertheless, they assess corresponding help offers sceptically or reject them in many cases. Often, they are afraid of losing their children or got already negative experience in this regard.


CONCLUSIONS
Parents suffering from schizophrenia as well as their children need adequate counselling and assistance offers considering their specific requirements.
Jungbauer
Johannes
J
Kath. Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen, Institut für Gesundheitsforschung und Soziale Psychiatrie, Aachen/Paderborn, Germany. j.jungbauer@katho-nrw.de
Stelling
Kirsten
K
Kuhn
Juliane
J
Lenz
Albert
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004493:Education; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult