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Lai Chu, Emma Man (2023) Experience of caring for a partner with psychosis: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
Aim:
This research aims to add to the understanding of the experience of caring for a partner with psychosis because of the paucity of research currently available in the U.K. It looks to provide a platform for this underrepresented sub-group of carers. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of partner carer needs with a view to improving support from professional services.
Design/Method:
Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six participants who cared for a partner with psychosis. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the interviews.
Findings:
A unique insight of this study is that it has looked at partner carers who have relinquished the romantic relationship and those that have remained. This study has found that partner carers of people with psychosis have needs that overlap with the wider carer population, but also very distinct needs because of the nature and mutuality of the romantic relationship and the heterogenous presentations of psychosis. Professional services should provide support targeting issues around the romantic relationship and the family for partner carers as this is invariably tied to the caring role. Support should encompass flexibility reflecting the complex, nuanced and phenomenological care experience and needs arising from this. Different levels of support and information are needed at different times. The relationship the carer has with professional services is also extremely important to the carer, possibly because part or most of their needs derived from the romantic relationship with their partner has been temporarily or permanently changed, further research would be beneficial in this area.
The findings also have implications for government policy: government should co-construct policies with carers as the relationship the carer has with the cared for, resources invested, and therefore needs of carers are not homogeneous. This would result in less wasted resources and be more cost effective in the long run. Although there are existing policies that target support for carers as a whole, these have not been sufficiently rolled out and have come up against financial challenges.
Government needs to monitor and ensure that existing policies have been carried out, and policies should be better targeted for a more effective outcome. Continuous and improved training for all staff who work in areas related to mental health should be mandatory. In addition to this, carers of people with a SMI need to be offered training and support in their role as a carer, just like mental health professionals who are trained and supported.
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