title: Family influence in recovery from severe mental illness.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived influence of family on recovery from severe mental illness. 54 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of people with severe mental illness living in Montreal. Results indicated that family both facilitated and impeded recovery processes. Specifically, family facilitated recovery through providing (a) moral support, (b) practical support and (c) motivation to recover. However family impeded recovery through (a) acting as a stressor, (b) displaying stigma and lack of understanding, and (c) forcing hospitalization. The study indicates the importance of family psychoeducation in promoting recovery.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, 31 George St., Louise D. Acton Building, Kingston, ON, K7M 6A8, Canada, haldersey@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Heather Michelle
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Aldersey
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whitley
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005195:Family Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D057212:Therapeutic Equipoise