Original Research
Strengths of families to limit relapse in mentally ill family members
Submitted: 10 October 2017 | Published: 10 October 2017
About the author(s)
Tlhalefi T. Tlhowe, School of Nursing Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South AfricaEmmerentia du Plessis, School of Nursing Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
Magdalene P. Koen, School of Nursing Science, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa
Full Text:
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Methods: A phenomenological design was followed. Purposive sampling was used and 15 family members of mental health care users who have not relapsed in the previous two years participated. Individual unstructured interviews were conducted. Data were analyse dusing thematic analysis.
Results: Four main themes were identified, namely accepting the condition of the mental health care users, having faith, involving the mentally ill family members in daily activities and being aware of what aggravates the mentally ill family members.
Conclusions: Family members go through a process of acceptance and receive educational information and assistance from health professionals. In this process families discover and apply their strengths to limit relapses of mentally ill family members. It is important that family members caring for mentally ill family members are involved in their treatment from the onset, and that they are guided through a process of acceptance.
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Crossref Citations
1. Family Members’ Support Needs to Prevent and Manage Relapse of Mental Health Care Users Living with Schizophrenia in Gauteng, South Africa
Ntuthuko Thwala, Yolanda Havenga, Michelle Bester
Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery vol: 24 issue: 1 year: 2022
doi: 10.25159/2520-5293/10007