| Learning Objective #1: Identify the characteristics and outcomes for the study sample of adult offspring of seriously mentally ill women | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the study implications, including application of findings, related to assisting young children of seriously mentally ill women |
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to describe a sample of adult offspring of seriously mentally ill women and explore the relationships between childhood environment and adult well-being variables in this seldom researched population.
Theoretical Framework: The Salutogenic Model of Health and Attachment Theory provided the theoretical framework.
Subjects: The subjects consisted of a convenience, targeted sample of adults who self-identified as offspring of seriously mentally ill women in response to a call for participants (N = 40). Many participants were recruited via the Internet.
Methods: Data were collected through self-administered mail survey with a response rate of 75%. Respondents also provided contributed information.
Results: Over half (52%) of the participants reported their own history of a mental health disorder. Moderately strong correlations were found between: childhood family problems/conflicts, childhood family changes/strains and adult sense of coherence; and child hood family resources/ mastery and adult quality of life. Content analysis of the contributed information identified a variety of significant themes.
Conclusions: Participant contributed information greatly clarified the quantitative data in this study. Data identified participant childhood that were disruptive and sometimes abusive and neglectful. Many participants are still feeling the pain of their childhoods. Nonetheless, most are functioning well as adults. Information from this study may be useful in assisting young children of seriously mentally ill mothers.
Back to Adults with Mental Illness
Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003