A grounded theory analysis of care-coordinators' perceptions of family growth associated with an experience of first episode psychosis. Issue 4 (2nd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thornhill, Emily; Sanderson, Chris; Gupta, Anjula
• Is Part Of: Psychosis. Volume 14:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2022-10-02
• Subjects: First episode psychosis -- growth -- family -- care-coordinator -- grounded theory; Psychoses -- Periodicals; Psychotic Disorders -- therapy; Psychotic Disorders -- etiology; Psychoses; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2021.1971743
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2447

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Growth associated with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is taken from post-traumatic growth literature, where positive changes are perceived following adverse circumstances. FEP is a critical period in which care-coordinators play a key role in working with families. Care-coordinators' perceptions influence the way in which they work with families. Methods: Eleven care-coordinators described their perceptions of growth within families with FEP through semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using social constructivist grounded theory. Results: Care-coordinators perceived the existence of family growth in the form of enhanced communication, as well as less explicit forms of growth including distancing from unhelpful relationships and a re-establishment of norms and boundaries. Growth was inhibited by the construct of the "perfect family" model, a mis-trust in services due to suspiciousness or prior negative experiences of services. Discussion: These inhibitors limit engagement with interventions and prevent open exploration of difficulties. Future work may consider how these findings align with the views of families.