Supporting Parents with Psychiatric Disabilities and Promoting Recovery: An International Challenge

Abstract

Introduction: Parenting is a significant life role for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Not only is success in this role a normal life goal for many, but functioning as well as possible as parents would seem to be intimately related to the recovery process and successful functioning in other major life domains. Research on the prevalence and needs of parents with psychiatric disabilities in two countries, the U.S. and The Netherlands, provides the framework for developing and testing interventions. Essential program components include supports for parents in meeting their children’s needs as well as managing their own. Research Question: What are the effects of “Parenting with Success & Satisfaction?” in terms of success, satisfaction, empowerment & quality of life? Intervening variables of the intensity of support, the contact between carer & parent will be included. The design is a non-equivalent control group design, in which the outcomes for 40 parents participating in the program will be compared with outcomes for 40 parents receiving care as usual in other locations. Recommendations: Provide programs for parents in all kinds of settings; Improve communication about own problems with children; Make a plan for the support of children when psychiatric problems increase; Organize small meeting groups for parents.