Author(s): Fulya AKGÜL GÖK
In this study it’s aim to determine psychosocial, physical and economic difficulties experienced by women who care for their schizophrenic children, also to determine their perception of these difficulties and analyze of them deeply. This study has been carried out with qualitative research method with using phenomenological approach. Therefore, difficulties and experiences of the women has been tried to understand from their own perceptions. Data has been collected through semi-structured interview form with 11 women who were reached by snowball sampling. Data has been analyzed deeply by the researcher. Women participated the research are between the ages of 40 and 58. It’s seen that 4 of them graduate of primary school; 5 of them graduate of high school and 2 of them graduate of university. Also 3 of them are working but 8 of them are unemployed. It’s seen that women not having enough information about the schizophrenia has attributed different meaning to early symptoms of the disease. Also these women expressed that they were acting with their instincts towards the patients. All of the participant stated that they felt especially desperation and uncertainty when their children diagnosed. Most of the participants have responsibility of caring for their children. These women expressed the difficulties of caring of their children but they interiorized this care giving act as a part of their role. Having information about the disease have effect on the coping strategies of them. It’s found out that support from social environment, spouse and family have a positive effect on women’s psychology
The Journal of International Social Research received 8982 citations as per Google Scholar report
