J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2020 Sep;29(3):218-228. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2020.29.3.218.

Suffering Experience of Primary Caregivers of People with Mental Disabilities in Community Dwellings

• Choi EJ
• Cho HM
• Cho EJ
• Lee M

• KMID: 2507656
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2020.29.3.218

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the suffering experienced by the primary caregiver of people with mental disabilities in community dwellings to explain the fundamental structure thereof.
Methods
The Giorgi’s phenomenological research methodology was used. Three male subjects and five female subjects participated in this study. The data were collected September-December, 2019 through in-depth individual interviews, and analysis based on the Giorgi’s method.
Results
Four clusters of themes were identified. They are: “Mental disability came as a burden of pain”, “Painful time from caring due to being mentally recoiled and being hurtful”, “My life is broken by illness”, and “Hope discovered in the midst of pain”.
Conclusion
The findings provide deeper understanding and insight into the suffering experienced by primary caregivers for people with mental disabilities in community dwellings. A comprehensive program encompassing psychological and social aspects must be developed to facilitate resolving the problem of the suffering experienced by the primary caregiver for people with mental disabilities.

Keyword

Caregivers; Mental disorder; Suffering; Qualitative research; 정신장애인; 보호자; 고통; 질적연구