Caregiving and Schizophrenia: Understanding the Worldview of Asian Indian Families
Menon, Goutham M.
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/87346
Description
Title
Caregiving and Schizophrenia: Understanding the Worldview of Asian Indian Families
Author(s)
Menon, Goutham M.
Issue Date
1997
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Cowger, Charles D.
Department of Study
Social Work
Discipline
Social Work
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
Language
eng
Abstract
"This qualitative study with six Asian Indian families focussed on understanding the caregiving processes involved when one of their members is afflicted with schizophrenia. It looked at the beliefs, values, and meanings associated with schizophrenia within the context of Asian Indian cultural and social practices. It studied the meanings associated with the construction of the concept of family caregiving in this setting. The study also puts into perspective caregiving roles and functions of the parents and the siblings in India. The study found that Asian Indian families were bound to undertake many socially and culturally accepted practices when confronted with schizophrenia. These include religious offerings, use of alternative healing methods, and consultation with faith healers. It was also found that the parents believed the role of karma (fate) to be the reason for the problems they were having but not for the actual cause of the illness. Caregiving was seen by the parents as functions of duty and necessity. The roles and functions of the ""father"" and the siblings were not clearly defined. The ""mother"" was found to be the most important person in a caregiving situation. The siblings did not want to take on the role of the caregiver. The families felt immense difficulties in the realms of financial management of the illness, the management of negative symptoms, and in finding respite care. The main concern highlighted in this study was the apparent lack of planning for long term care for the person afflicted with schizophrenia. The study provides implications for practice, research, and policy in the area of Asian Indian caregiving."
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