[Facing Strangeness: Perceptions of Men Whose Partners Became Mentally Ill After Delivering a Baby].
ObjectiveThis study explores men's perceptions of their partners' postpartum psychiatric disorders and their experiences of acute mental health care.MethodsInterviews were conducted with 13 men who had experienced postpartum psychiatric disorders of their partners. Data were analysed using grounded theory methodology.ResultsFathers were affected by their partners' postpartum psychiatric disorder and inpatient treatment. The core category found is the experience of strangeness. The men were faced with a changed partner, an unknown disorder and a confusing mental health care system.ConclusionFathers wanted to support their partners but felt rarely noticed by mental health care providers. Increased awareness of fathers' needs, such as being informed and involved in their partner's care planning, is recommended to promote the whole family system.
InBVG - Institut für Bildungs- und Versorgungsforschung im Gesundheitsbereich, Fachhochschule Bielefeld.
Sabine
S
Roebers
Fakultät für Gesundheitswissenschaften, AG Epidemiologie & International Public Health, Universität Bielefeld.
Oliver
O
Razum
InBVG - Institut für Bildungs- und Versorgungsforschung im Gesundheitsbereich, Fachhochschule Bielefeld.
Katja
K
Makowsky
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005220:Fathers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013598:Systems Theory