The coping mechanisms of the families of schizophrenics

This study focused on answering three questions which dealt with the coping behavior and characteristics of families with a member who has schizophrenia and whether or not there are correlations among these.

The specific population was represented by a sample of families of patients who were diagnosed as having schizophrenia and were enrolled in a Day Treatment Program. Criteria for families to be included in the study were; 1) patient had to be enrolled in a Day Treatment Program, 2) patient had to reside with the family; 3) patient had to be diagnosed according to DSM- IIIR guidelines for schizophrenia; 4) family had to reside in the catchment area of community mental health center involved in the study. The family reported coping behaviors for 10 days. This included any behavior used in coping with the family member having schizophrenia and his/her illness. These behaviors were correlated with the characteristics of the family; i.e. race, income, residence, total number in family, education level, number of males and females in family, mean age of the family, and number of members employed.

Conclusions of this study support the literature that demonstrate families are impacted by schizophrenia.