Caring for a violent relative with severe mental illness: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Nursing research
• Family studies
• Mental health care

Background:

• Violence against families with mentally ill relatives is prevalent but understudied in nursing.
• Existing literature highlights the challenges faced by these families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of families dealing with violence from mentally ill relatives.
• To understand the multifaceted aspects of family responsibility in such contexts.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing grounded theory methodology.
• Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants who experienced violence from mentally ill family members.
• Theoretical framework based on Jacques Donzelot's government of family theory.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: medico-legal apparatus, experience of violence, family responsibility, exclusion/stigmatization, and suffering/resilience.
• The central theme investigated is the family's perceived responsibility toward the violent relative.
• Analysis revealed the complex interplay between societal structures, personal experiences, and coping mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Families bear significant responsibility for relatives with severe mental illness who exhibit violent behavior.
• Understanding these experiences is crucial for developing targeted nursing interventions and support systems.
• Further research is needed to address the stigma and suffering associated with mental illness within families.