Explaining the Family‐Centred Care of Young People With Depressive Disorders and Suicidal Ideations: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

AimThis study aimed to develop a theory to guide family members caring for young people with depressive disorders and suicidal ideations.DesignStrauss and Corbin's Grounded Theory.MethodsTheoretical sampling was used to recruit primary family caregivers (aged 22–60) of young people experiencing depressive disorders and suicidal ideations from hospitals and psychiatric clinics in Taiwan. Data were collected using interviews (n = 23) in 2023. Data were analysed using Corbin & Strauss' analytical framework, including open, axial and selective coding until theoretical saturation was reached.ResultsA paradigm model was used to link the 13 categories and develop a substantive theory to help guide family members in the care of their young persons with depressive disorders and suicidal ideations. The core category that emerged was ‘Struggling to contain the young person's life by adjusting, assisting, and protecting them from diving into depression’. Other key categories interconnected with this core category were—creating a nurturing environment, adjusting to changes, protecting the young person's safety and assisting with their medical treatment.ConclusionFamily caregivers could use this theory as a guide to enhance the care of young persons experiencing depressive disorders and suicidal ideations and accompany them alongside the healing process.Implications for the ProfessionNursing professionals could provide psychoeducation to family caregivers on how to hold the young person gently and acquire compassion for the young persons' lived experience, thoughts and emotions, by creating a nurturing environment, adjusting to changes, protecting their safety and assisting with their medical treatment.ImpactThis theory provides valuable guidance for future intervention research aimed at improving family caregivers' ability to care for young persons with depressive disorders and suicidal ideations.Reporting MethodThe COREQ guidelines were utilised.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.