Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Benedict DeDominicis

Abstract

During deinstitutionalization, schizophrenia treatment shifted from state facilities to communities and families. This change stressed families. This study investigated mental health professionals' (MHPs) knowledge and training about this stress also called family burden (FB). The study had three research questions. These addressed MHPs’ view of FB, what barriers exist in treating FB, can multiple viewpoints define FB, and if these views influence MHPs to reduce it. This grounded theory study used 22 MHPs in seven focus groups (FGs). The participant recruitment process included email, list serves, phone calls, and one state conference. The participants were MHPs licensed for 3 years with 2 years’ experience working with families with a loved one with schizophrenia. The questions in the FGs imbedded concepts of Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory (IT) to create a new theory of what MHPs know about Harriett P. Lefley’s, FB. The MHPs created mind maps and answered 8 FG questions related to FB via Zoom. This study analyzed, open coded, and categorized the mind maps and transcripts leading to themes. MHPs defined FB as a problem with a lack of resources. Lack of resources causes strain inside and outside of families, causing pressure, stress, and a lack of awareness. These issues worsen due to family size, lack of family support, family discord, treatment failures, family fragmentation, and guilt. Recommendations suggest teaching FB, IT, parenting skills, and advocacy in graduate schools. Further research should occur with families and patients as FG members. This study and its findings have the potential to provide positive social change by improving the quality of life, freedom, and dignity of families and patients with schizophrenia.

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