Psychiatry Investig.  2016 May;13(3):288-296. 10.4306/pi.2016.13.3.288.

Sociocultural Factors Associated with Caregiver-Psychiatrist Relationship in Taiwan

• Wu HC
• Chen FP

• KMID: 2316645
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2016.13.3.288

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Research on sociocultural factors associated caregiver-provider relationship is needed to enhance family involvement in psychiatric care. This study examines from the caregiver's perspective the associations of schizophrenia attributions, stigmatization, and caregiving experiences with caregiver-psychiatrist working relationship in Taiwan.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 152 Taiwanese family caregivers of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, recruited from a grassroots organization, 4 community mental health rehabilitation centers and 2 psychiatric hospitals between July 2012 and March 2013. Multiple linear regression models were used for analysis.
RESULTS
Biological attribution was positively associated with perceived family collaboration, and so was environmental attribution with perceived informational support. Internalized stigma was negatively associated with perceived family collaboration. Caregiving rewards were positively related to both perceived family collaboration and informational support, and so was experience of problems with services to perceived family collaboration.
CONCLUSION
The examination of family perceptions informs Western psychiatric care providers of the importance of culturally sensitive practices in developing an effective working relationship with family caregivers, particularly in regards to caregivers' casual attributions, impact of stigma, and caregiving experiences.

Keyword

Attribution; Stigma; Caregiving experience; Caregiver-provider relationship; Western psychiatry

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Cooperative Behavior
Cross-Sectional Studies
Hospitals, Psychiatric
Humans
Linear Models
Mental Health
Rehabilitation Centers
Reward
Schizophrenia
Stereotyping
Taiwan*