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The SMILES program: a group program for children with mentally ill parents or siblings
Erica Pitman1, Stephen Matthey
1Private Practice, Bathurst, NSW, Australia. ericap@ix.net.au
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|August 5, 2004
Summary
This study shows a 3-day program improved children's understanding of mental illness and coping skills. Both children and parents reported positive outcomes, highlighting the program's effectiveness for families affected by mental illness.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
- Family Support
Background:
- Children with mentally ill family members face unique challenges.
- Lack of accessible psychoeducational programs for children in these situations.
- Need for enhanced coping mechanisms and mental illness literacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills program.
- To assess improvements in children's knowledge of mental illness.
- To determine the program's impact on children's life skills for family coping.
Main Methods:
- A 3-day psychoeducational program was delivered.
- Data collected via self-report from 25 child participants.
- Program evaluated across Canada and Australia.
Main Results:
- Children demonstrated increased knowledge of mental illness.
- Participants reported enhanced life skills beneficial for family coping.
- Parental reports corroborated the benefits observed in their children.
Conclusions:
- The Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills program successfully met its aims.
- The program provides a valuable resource for children with mentally ill family members.
- Evidence suggests positive impacts on children's understanding and coping abilities.