Childhood Experiences Pursue Adulthood for Better and Worse: a Qualitative Study of Adults' Experiences After Growing Up with a Severely Mentally Ill Parent in a Small-scale Society

Overview

Journal J Res Nurs

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Nursing

Date 2021 Aug 16

PMID 34394676

Citations 1

Authors

Kristianna Dam

Elisabeth Oc Hall

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Growing up with a severely mentally ill parent can impact on subsequent adult life, and it can be extra challenging in a society with a small population, known as a small-scale society. Life in a small-scale society is characterised by multiple close relationships, lack of anonymity and a conservative attitude towards normal behaviour.

Aims: To look at the impact of growing up with a mentally ill parent on adult life in a small-scale society.

Methods: Data from semistructured interviews with 11 adult children of severely mentally ill parents were reanalysed and subjected to secondary analysis.

Results: The additional analysis resulted in four central themes: 'becoming open and courageous', 'seeking and giving help', 'feeling uncertain and different' and 'being resilient and sensitive'. These were conflated into an overarching theme: 'childhood experiences track into adulthood for better and worse'. The themes elucidate a diverse big picture and encompass positive and challenging features of adult life in a small-scale society.

Conclusions: The study ends with recommendations for the early establishment of collaboration and family-focused interventions with mentally ill parents and their children.

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