Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research on parental mental health problems (MHPs) has predominantly used urban samples and focused on the risks for children. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to explore rural parents' lived experiences of parenting with a MHP. METHOD: Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers who were using a mental health service in rural Ireland. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed. RESULTS: Themes identified were: "Being Observed and Negatively Judged by Others"; "Overshadowed by the Duality of Parenting and MHPs"; "Dominance of Medication Over Other Treatment Options"; "Uncertainty (of Impact on Parenting Ability and Children)" and "Need for Inclusion". Although parents' experienced a variety of concerns generic to parenting and mental health, living in a small, rural community was related to pronounced concerns regarding the stigma, devaluation and uncertainty associated with MHPs and service use. CONCLUSION: Further investigation into and consideration for the specific needs and experiences of parent service-users could benefit both parents and their families and inform service development.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 99-104 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Mental Health |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 3 Mar 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 30 Apr 2014 |
Keywords
- female
- humans
- mental health
- mental health services
- parenting
- rural health
- rural population