Examining the Experiences of African-American Female Caregivers
Location
2074
Format Type
Paper
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2017 10:30 AM
End Date
14-1-2017 10:50 AM
Abstract
There exists a gap in the literature regarding the unique experiences of African-American female caregivers taking care of mentally ill children. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences African-American female caregivers, particularly examining perspectives related to the challenges of care giving, stigma of mental illness, treatment and coping. Eight African American female treatment foster care parents were selected from a treatment foster care agency in Baltimore, MD. Data was collected in the form of 30-60 minute, semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded. Five themes emerged from the study; (1) care-giving is a challenge, (2) concern about the youth's future after foster care, (3) medication issues, (4) origin is mental illness is unknown and (5) religion is a source of coping for the parents. The study delivered future recommendations and implications for providing adequate support and resources for treatment foster care parents in general.
Examining the Experiences of African-American Female Caregivers
2074
There exists a gap in the literature regarding the unique experiences of African-American female caregivers taking care of mentally ill children. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences African-American female caregivers, particularly examining perspectives related to the challenges of care giving, stigma of mental illness, treatment and coping. Eight African American female treatment foster care parents were selected from a treatment foster care agency in Baltimore, MD. Data was collected in the form of 30-60 minute, semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded. Five themes emerged from the study; (1) care-giving is a challenge, (2) concern about the youth's future after foster care, (3) medication issues, (4) origin is mental illness is unknown and (5) religion is a source of coping for the parents. The study delivered future recommendations and implications for providing adequate support and resources for treatment foster care parents in general.
Comments
Breakout Session G