Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Growing up with a parent with schizophrenia: what children say they need
- Authors:
- CHAN Siu Mui, CHAU Heidi Ying Suet
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Children's Services, 5(4), December 2010, pp.31-42.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Although there seems a plethora of literature on the effect of parents’ mental health problems on child development, research and services have largely overlooked the unmet needs of the children of adults with mental health problems. The authors focus upon a particularly neglected group, that of Chinese, adolescent daughters of a schizophrenic mother or father (n=5). The introductory text describes the discrimination, isolation and stereotyped attitudes surrounding schizophrenia in Asian culture where it is regarded as taboo, associated with shame and as such often remains as a ‘family secret’. The mixed feelings, such as love, ‘filial piety’, loyalty and anger, towards their parent that young carers can have are discussed. In-depth, individual interviews with 5 adolescent girl carers, asked whether they had ever disclosed their parents’ mental health problems to others and what happened, and if not, why not? In addition, how did their parents’ illness affect them, particularly during periods of psychotic episode and how did they feel overall about their roles? Finally, were there any positive gains, ask these authors? Findings were mixed, with the topics of betrayal, helplessness, and low self-esteem visited, as well as some more positive gains such as the increasing maturity and strength caring for a parent with mental health problems brought. The authors list various quotes verbatim.