Exploring Family Experiences and Relationship Dynamics Where One Member Experiences Psychosis: “We’ve Been on That Journey Together”

Charlotte Marriott, Mark Bernard, Michael Larkin*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

Abstract

Further to established research into adverse familial relationships and psychosis, using individual accounts, this study aimed to explore family experiences during an episode of psychosis, paying particular attention to how individuals and family systems consequently respond and change. Whole families were recruited to capture multiple perspectives from within each system. Sixteen individuals from five families of adolescents experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP) were interviewed, reflecting on their experiences of the family environment before, throughout and after the episode. Transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three superordinate themes described methods of managing changes affected by psychosis: adapting through “learning and communication”; “unity, sharing and delegating”; and “damage, repair and revisiting”. Families actively managed individual developmental and intra-familial relational difficulties by sensitively responding and adapting. The experience of this change was frequently stressful, increased support was often appreciated by the service users as important and responsive to their needs. Clinical services could develop interventions by anticipating, advising and supporting families, for example by recognising the nuanced impact, educating and assisting families in navigating these complex issues. Attachment theory literature can lend support to identification of needs and flexible responding to build bonds and resilience.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRelationships and Mental Health
Subtitle of host publicationRelational Experience in Distress and Recovery
PublisherSpringer
Pages137-154
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9783031500473
ISBN (Print)9783031500466
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring Family Experiences and Relationship Dynamics Where One Member Experiences Psychosis: “We’ve Been on That Journey Together”'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this