title: Meta-Ethnography of Qualitative Research on the Experience of Being a Partner to an Individual with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: Several qualitative studies explore the experience of being a partner to an individual with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, but these studies remain isolated "islands of knowledge." This meta-ethnography aimed to synthesize current qualitative studies using Noblit and Hare's method. Thirteen studies were identified for inclusion. Three overarching themes were revealed: unmet expectations of relationship, renegotiating relationship roles, and separation versus togetherness. Themes interacted as a cycle with separation versus togetherness as temporal endpoints. Partners also renegotiated relationships with mental health professionals to accommodate unmet expectations. Leverage points for intervention were identified.
authors.affiliation: a University of Vermont , College of Nursing and Health Sciences , Burlington , Vermont , USA.
authors.forename: Laura Foran
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012559:Schizophrenia; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*