Parenting and family life experiences of mothers diagnosed with schizophrenia within Chinese cultural context

Abstract

Accessible SummaryWhat is known on the subject? Parenting experiences are a great challenge but also a meaningful achievement for mothers diagnosed with schizophrenia (MDWSs). Most previous studies focused on the parenting experiences of Chinese mothers diagnosed with depression rather than those diagnosed with schizophrenia, who usually experience psychiatric symptoms. What this paper adds to existing knowledge? Unlike in Western society, Chinese society is characterised by a family‐centred culture. This study insightfully explores MDWSs’ parenting and family life experiences addressing their intrapersonal mindsets, interpersonal connections with family members across generations and extrapersonal roles such as traditional social expectations as a mother, wife and daughter‐in‐law. While Western studies have mainly focused on MDWSs’ personal resilience, this study insightfully explored MDWSs’ resilient dimensions including their personal, familial and cultural issues within the Chinese society. What are the implications for practice? This study develops a comprehensive and professional understanding of the parenting experiences and family interactions of MDWSs who struggle to achieve their motherly role and re‐establish connections with intimate family members. The findings highlight the following important considerations when offering family‐based nursing cares: (1) assess power relationships, familial dynamics and cultural influences between MDWSs and their family members; (2) extend family members' involvement, such as parents‐in‐law, while offering psychoeducation to MDWSs and their family members. AbstractIntroductionIn Chinese culture, raising the next generation is recognised as a crucial family matter involving intergenerational participation. Mothers diagnosed with schizophrenia (MDWSs) usually experience high stress due to psychiatric symptoms, different parenting values across generations and traditional expectations associated with motherly roles. MDWSs need urgent professional assistance.AimTo explore MDWSs' parenting experiences and family life in Chinese cultural contexts.MethodIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 MDWSs. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analyses.ResultsThe superordinate theme was identified as ‘You are not a qualified mother’. Three major themes were elicited: experiencing crises in parenting, family life and self‐stability; striving to be a good mother and wife under humiliation; and developing wisdom and courage to move forward.DiscussionA dehumanised attitude of family members in a paternalistic culture was found. While Western society focuses on personal resilience and family‐based nursing care for nuclear families, Chinese society intensively focuses on MDWSs' relationship with nuclear family members as well as extended family members such as parents‐in‐law.Implications for PracticeThe results highlighted the significance of culturally sensitive nursing care for MDWSs and family‐centred psychoeducation that clarifies familial dynamics and improves effective communication between MDWSs and their family members.