Parents as caregivers for children with schizophrenia: moral dilemmas and moral agency

Because the ability of people with schizophrenia to achieve anticipated success and independence is compromised, many of their parents assume responsibility for protecting, nurturing, and directing care for their offspring. The emotional, social, and financial challenges of caregiving, extended beyond the usual child-rearing duration, are complicated by the societal designation of their children as adults. Decisions about caregiving involve many practical and moral dilemmas. In this article, we examine several dilemmas encountered by parents who try to fulfill their perceived responsibility to care for adult children with schizophrenia. After exploring the related concept of moral agency, we close with some reflections on the assumptions surrounding psychiatric care and parental responsibility.