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Published on: March 8, 2018
Aggression and trauma experiences among carer-relatives of people with psychosis
Carmel M Loughland1, Gali Lawrence, Joanne Allen
1Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter New England Mental Health, The University of Newcastle, PO Box 833, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia. Carmel.Loughland@newcastle.edu.au
Background:
Exposure to aggression and associated psychological outcomes are poorly characterised among carer-relatives of people with psychosis.
Method:
Carer-relatives (N = 106) completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographics and perceived prevalence of aggression in their caring role in the last 12 months. Carers exposed to moderate-severe levels of aggression were re-approached to assess PTSD and coping strategies.
Results:
Most respondents (77.4%) reported experiencing moderate-severe levels of aggression. Increased contact with (M = 15.12 vs. M = 6.71 days per month), and significantly higher ratings of affective, antisocial, negative and psychotic symptomology in affected relatives were associated with experiences of moderate-severe aggression. Approximately half of the moderate-severe respondents reported potentially significant levels of PTSD (52%, N = 34), which was associated with greater exposure to verbal aggression and increased usage of coping strategies.
Conclusions:
Comparable ratios of physical to non-physical aggression to those reported by professional carers working in acute psychiatric treatment settings were reported. Carer-relatives require greater levels of information and support to assist them in their community caring roles.
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