The Health-related Quality of Life for Children with a Mentally Ill Parent

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#This study is aimed to identify the health-related quality of life for children with a mentally ill parent. @*Methods@#The 13 participants were school-aged children whose parents were registered at the D Regional Mental Health Welfare Center. Data were collected using one-on-one interview with illustration cards and analyzed by content analysis. @*Results@#The participants were living a difficult life in anxiety amid a reversal of parent-child role, such as doing housework and taking care of their parents. The study revealed a love-hate family relationship that the participants wanted parental recognition and attention but they were frustrated by insufficient parental care and sibling conflict. Nevertheless, they only had each other themselves to trust and rely on. Their mixed health awareness and negative emotions were influenced by parents. Some of participants were exposed to dangerous environment such as domestic violence, and they need support system for help in difficult situations. Sometimes they felt happy by satisfying physiological, social, and self-esteem needs. They also showed a positive potential that they were matured more than peers through the experience of overcoming difficulties. @*Conclusion@#Not only were there not enough attention and support for the children with mentally ill people, but they were also exposed to an environment that threatens their physical or mental health. Therefore, to improve their health-related quality of life, there should be some integrated support of the community health system to cope with the challenges they face.