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Schizophrenia is ranked among the top leading causes of disability in the world. Due to the severe and extensive impairments experienced, a large majority of these patients are forced to rely on family and intimate partners for support. Although the literature confirms that these relationships can have a significant impact on schizophrenic patients, there is great ambiguity as to how these individuals are specifically influenced. The present study attempted to provide perspicuity to how familial and intimate partner relationships affect patients with schizophrenia. In an effort to reduce possible subjective biases and provide greater specificity on multiple areas of this debate, data was gathered from high contact clinicians. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with knowledgeable professionals in the mental health field who specialize in providing care to this population. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed seven major themes; six of which were comprised of two to seven subthemes. These included the notion that spousal and intimate partner relationships were seen as more detrimental than familial relationships, traits specific to patients and their caregivers impact the development of healthy relationships and the well-being of both parties, and family and intimate partner relationships often are not a target of treatment. These findings introduced valuable implications for clinical practices across various mental health disciplines and provided guidance for future research.
Advisor: | Parekh, Bina |
Commitee: | Lopez, Tica |
School: | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology |
Department: | Clinical Psychology |
School Location: | United States -- Illinois |
Source: | DAI-B 81/4(E), Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Clinical psychology, Social psychology |
Keywords: | Caregivers, Familial relationships, Intimate partner relationships, Schizophrenia, Caregiver relationships |
Publication Number: | 22621973 |
ISBN: | 9781392556504 |