Korean American Family Experiences of Caregiving for their Mentally Ill Adult Children: An Interpretive Inquiry

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-cultural qualitative study is to describe and interpret the Korean American families’ (KAFs’) caregiving experiences for their mentally ill grown children. Seven KAF caregivers were purposefully sampled. In-depth audiotaped interviews were conducted in Korean, and Korean metaphors, images, and dreams were translated into English. This allowed for a rich explication of this study’s complex caregiving phenomena. Five major themes were identified: (a) realization of children’s illness, (b) battling the disease of incompetence, (c) poignant processes of caregiving, (d) suffering as a way of life, and (e) journey toward spirituality. In conclusion, incorporating transcultural nursing into core nursing curricula, recognizing the spiritual dimensions of care in nursing, and establishing culturally congruent community-based day treatment modalities and programs integrating other cultures are recommended.