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Loneliness in the presence of others: A mixed-method study of social networks of caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders

Author

Listed:
  • Maryam Tabatabaee
  • Reza Yousefi Nooraie
  • Ardavan Mohammad Aghaei
  • Yasna Rostam-Abadi
  • Mina Ansari
  • Shamim Sharifi
  • Vandad Sharifi

Abstract

Background: One in four families has at least one member with a mental disorder and families are the main caregivers in most patients in low and middle-income countries. Caregivers experience disruption in their routine lives, increased responsibilities, increased need for support, and changes in their network. The role of personal support networks in the health and burden of the caregivers is complex and depends on the context, cultural and socioeconomical variables. In this study, we aimed to investigate the personal support network of caregivers of patients with severe mental illness in Iran. Methods: By using a mixed-methods design, we focused on the structure and composition of caregiver networks, as well as self-perceived caregiver support. Results: We found that the support network of caregivers was mostly composed of immediate family members whom themselves were selectively chosen as a result of the multidimensional process of interaction between stigma, availability, and the perceived needs of caregivers. The participants mentioned economic and instrumental supports more frequently than emotional support, probably reflecting their unmet basic needs. Advocacy for providing formal systemic supports to caregivers, as well as interventions that expand caregivers personal support network is recommended. Conclusions: Most participants of the study were relatively isolated and had a small network of support, mostly composed of immediate family members. Stigma was a serious source of family distress for caregivers and a limiting factor in social relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Maryam Tabatabaee & Reza Yousefi Nooraie & Ardavan Mohammad Aghaei & Yasna Rostam-Abadi & Mina Ansari & Shamim Sharifi & Vandad Sharifi, 2023. "Loneliness in the presence of others: A mixed-method study of social networks of caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(1), pages 190-199, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:69:y:2023:i:1:p:190-199
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640221077580
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yousefi Nooraie, Reza & Thompson, Bronwyn & D’Silva, Chelsea & Zenlea, Ian & Tabatabaee, Maryam & Mohammad Aghaei, Ardavan, 2021. "A fused mixed-methods approach to thematic analysis of personal networks: Two case studies of caregiver support networks," Network Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(2), pages 236-253, June.
    2. Ohaeri, Jude U., 1998. "Perception of the social support role of the extended family network by some Nigerians with schizophrenia and affective disorders," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 47(10), pages 1463-1472, November.
    3. Angell, Beth & Bolden, Galina B., 2015. "Justifying medication decisions in mental health care: Psychiatrists' accounts for treatment recommendations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 44-56.
    4. Rafael del-Pino-Casado & Emilia Priego-Cubero & Catalina López-Martínez & Vasiliki Orgeta, 2021. "Subjective caregiver burden and anxiety in informal caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(3), pages 1-20, March.
    5. Hollstein, Betina & Töpfer, Tom & Pfeffer, Jürgen, 2020. "Collecting egocentric network data with visual tools: A comparative study," Network Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 8(2), pages 223-250, June.
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    1. Joel O. Goldberg & Suzanne A. McKeag & Alison L. Rose & Heather Lumsden-Ruegg & Gordon L. Flett, 2023. "Too Close for Comfort: Stigma by Association in Family Members Who Live with Relatives with Mental Illness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-10, March.

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