An Exploratory Study on the Psychological Experiences of Families of People Living with Schizophrenia under Forensic Care at Mathari Hospital, Nairobi County Kenya
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Date
2021-09-11
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
Relation members of PLWSUFC (PLWSUFC) find themselves in a multifaceted situation due to the dual nature of carrying out compassionate actions in involuntary care circumstance. Families are considered important in increasing the patients’ chances of living a well-functioning life after discharge from psychiatric facilities. In Kenya, scanty evidence exists on exploration of the psychological Involment of such families facing a paradox. This study aimed at exploring the psychological involvements of families with a relative under criminological care having committed a crime under the influence of schizophrenia. The study was led by the Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. It used a qualitative approach to elicit the subjective views of 14 participants in face to face interviews. Through purposive sampling, a sample size of 14 participants was recruited. Three main open-ended questions were asked during the semi-structured in-depth interviews and recorded. The audio recorded interviews were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Themes emerging from the present study revealed that families of PLWSUFC at Mathari Hospital lacked cognisence about schizophrenia, suffered negative emotions and survived on maladaptive managing plans. It is envisioned that the findings from the study would aid counseling psychologists develop appropriate psychoeducation programs for families in this multifaceted situation. Such programs are envisioned to improve families’ psychological well-being, better management of the patients and reduced recidivism.