What are the family needs when a parent has mental health problems? Evidence from a systematic literature review. Issue 1 (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wahl, Patricia; Bruland, Dirk; Bauer, Ullrich; Okan, Orkan; Lenz, Albert
• Is Part Of: Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing. Volume 30:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: children -- family needs -- help‐seeking behaviors -- mental health problems -- parents with mental illness -- primary prevention; Child psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Child mental health -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Child mental health -- United States -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Mental health -- United States -- Periodicals; 618.92890231
• DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-6077

Abstract

Abstract: Problem: Little evidence exists showing how a given high‐risk group of children born to parents with poor mental health seek help and how care may be improved in order to better reach and support their families. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify the needs and help‐seeking behaviors of children and their parents. Through an analysis of both quantitative and qualitative studies, published in German‐ and English‐speaking research literature, the needs of children and parents were identified and categorized. Findings concerning their help‐seeking behavior and the influence of demographic variables on needs and help‐seeking behaviors were also described. Findings: In the primary studies, the most identified parental needs were "the need for being a good parent"; "worries about the child's well‐being"; and "the need for practical help." For children, the categories identified included "the need for knowledge"; "worries about parent's well‐being"; and "the need for normality." However, information about help‐seeking behaviors and influences of demographic factors was fairly limited in the literature. Conclusions: In families with parental mental health problems, it seems especially important to take a family‐focused approach. The individual needs of children (and their families) should shape the planning of treatment and nursing care.