Parenting experiences of mothers living with a chronic mental illness

Abstract

Background: Intrapersonal, interpersonal, social and economic factors associated with chronic mental illness influence mothers' parenting abilities which in turn influence childhood mental health. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the parenting experiences of mothers with a chronic mental illness. Methods: An explorative, descriptive and qualitative research design was used. Ten participants were purposively sampled until saturation occurred. Data was collected using in-depth individual interviews and a content analysis was carried out. Results: Mothers with a chronic mental illness experienced various challenges and expressed their family support needs. Conclusion: A family-centred approach to mental healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation is proposed.

Keywords

• Chronic mental illness
• Experiences
• Mother
• Parenting
• Parent accompaniment programme