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Published on: December 2, 2015
Developmental Outcomes and Caregiving Burdens Among Children and Adolescents of Parents With Schizophrenia Spectrum
Sun Joo Jang1, Haeyoung Lee2, Sophia J Chung2
1College of Nursing & Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Insights
Children with parents diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders face significant developmental risks, including cognitive and emotional problems. Research on their caregiving burdens is limited, highlighting a need for further investigation and tailored support.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Parental schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) significantly impact offspring development.
- Children and adolescents of parents with SSD are a vulnerable population requiring targeted research.
- Existing literature often overlooks the specific caregiving burdens experienced by these youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review developmental outcomes in children and adolescents with parents diagnosed with SSD.
- To examine the caregiving burdens faced by these children and adolescents.
- To identify factors influencing offspring vulnerability and inform future research and interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO) for studies from January 2015 to December 2024.
- Synthesized findings from eight quantitative studies descriptively.
Main Results:
- Offspring of parents with SSD exhibit increased risk for adverse developmental outcomes: STIs, teenage pregnancies, chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, emotional/behavioral problems, and social difficulties.
- Factors like sex, age, family environment, and socioeconomic status exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
- Evidence on caregiving burdens (e.g., parentification) was scarce.
Conclusions:
- Children and adolescents of parents with SSD face multifaceted developmental challenges.
- Insufficient research exists on the caregiving burdens experienced by this population.
- Longitudinal studies, validated measurement tools for caregiving burdens, and integrated family-centered interventions are crucial.
Abstract:
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the developmental outcomes and caregiving burdens of the children and adolescents that have parents diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Following the Cochrane Handbook and the PRISMA guidelines, five electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched for studies published between January 2015 and December 2024. Eight quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised descriptively. The findings revealed that the children and adolescents of parents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders had a significantly higher risk of adverse outcomes across multiple developmental domains. They showed increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancies, and chronic diseases. Cognitive impairments, including poor working memory, processing speed, learning, and emotional recognition, were reported. Emotional and behavioural problems such as anxiety, depression, aggression, and low self-esteem were more frequent, while social difficulties included poorer peer relationships, lower academic achievement, and an increased likelihood of out-of-home placement. However, evidence regarding caregiving burdens, such as parentification or role reversals, was scarce, despite the potential relevance to this population. The review also determined that factors such as sex, age, family environment, and socioeconomic disadvantage amplified children and adolescents' vulnerabilities. In conclusion, the children and adolescents of parents with schizophrenia spectrum disorders face multidimensional developmental challenges; however, research on their caregiving burdens remains insufficient. Longitudinal studies across diverse populations are needed to clarify the long-term effects. The development of reliable tools to measure caregiving burdens is warranted. Interventions considering sex, age, and contextual factors, together with integrated family-centred support, are crucial for promoting resilience and reducing risks in these children and adolescents. Trial Registration: PROSPERO database (CRD42025640649).
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