Parenting experiences of Chinese mothers living with a mental illness

Abstract

Background Although the experiences of mothers with mental illness are well researched in Western countries, little is known about the experiences of Chinese mothers. This study aims to explore the experiences of family life and parenting of Chinese mothers, in the context of their mental illness. Methods Fourteen Chinese mothers with mental illness undertook in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to guide the data analysis. Results Seven themes were identified: motherhood as a central identity, the stigma associated with being a mother with mental illness, participants’ perceptions about the impact of mental illness on parenting and their children, experiences of talking to children about mental illness, how having children impacts mothers’ illness and recovery, and support obtained and needed. Similar to Western mothers, Chinese mothers experienced stigma and fluctuating mental illness symptoms which impacted on parenting. Unlike mothers based in Western countries, the mothers interviewed in this study highlighted complicated co-caring relationships with parents-in-law and did not raise child custody concerns. Conclusions Mental health professionals need to have the skills to identify and recognize the mothering role of their clients. Culturally sensitive interventions are required to assist Chinese families where mothers have a mental illness. Future research is required to investigate family experiences of parental mental illness from the perspectives of children, partners, and mental health professionals.

Parents who experience psychosis: A qualitative exploration

“…The adverse impact of stigma on parents' sense connection to their authentic selves found within the current psychosis‐specific parenting sample extends findings from previous studies of mothers and fathers who experience SMI (e.g. Chen et al, 2021; Diaz‐Caneja & Johnston, 2004; Nicholson et al, 1998; Parrott et al, 2015; Savvidou et al, 2003). However, this study suggested that fathers experienced shame particularly profoundly, especially around their perceptions of their ability to ‘provide’.…”

Factors that influence family‐focused practice in Chinese mental health workers: A cross‐sectional survey

“…In fact, the few existing studies on the lived experience of consumer-parents and their families in China suggested the very opposite. A pioneering study on the parenting experiences of Chinese mothers living with mental illness showed that Chinese mothers with mental illness were often worried about the impact of their mental illness on children, wanted to talk about children with mental health professionals, and emphasized the need of psycho-education for their families and children (Chen et al, 2021). Another study on the lived experience of COPMI in China also reported that these children were often faced with feelings of helplessness, worry and isolation and longed for professional support (Zhou, 2020).…”

Navigating peer relationships: What do friendships look like for children whose parents have mental illnesses?

“…Children whose parents have mental illnesses are victimised among their peers as a result of their association with parental mental illness. The affiliate stigma seems to come from public stigma towards people with mental illnesses, if they do not receive from proper sources the knowledge on mental illness (Chen et al, 2021; Reupert et al, 2021). Although peers may engage in such abusive behaviours due to their lack of understanding of mental illness, it has to do with broader societal views and attitudes that they have been socialised within.…”