Stigma in Parents of a Child with Mental Illness / 정신간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the meaning of stigma in parents of a child with mental illness. METHODS: The participants were 6 mothers who had children with mental illness. Data were gathered using in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi method. RESULTS: The significant results from analysis of the interviews can be grouped into 10 concept descriptions, 5 theme clusters. The essential theme clusters for the experiences of parents were 'Guilt as a parent towards an disabled child', 'Humiliation from loss of self-esteem', 'Loneliness from prejudice and discrimination', 'Frustration due to endless treatment', and 'Desire of normal happiness'. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study offer profound information on stigma experience of parents of children with mental illness and provide basic raw material for developing nursing intervention strategies for these parents.