Chronic sorrow: The lived experience of parents of chronically mentally ill individuals

Abstract

This study investigated the incidence of chronic sorrow in parents of chronically mentally ill children. A convenience sample of 10 parents (four couples and two mothers) of adult children diagnosed with either schizophrenia or bipolar disorders were interviewed using the Burke/NCRCS Chronic Sorrow questionnaire (Caregiver Version). Findings showed that 8 out of 10 parents experienced chronic sorrow. These grief-related feelings were most often triggered by the unending caregiving responsibilities parents described. Those who evidenced chronic sorrow indicated that healthcare professionals could assist them by providing information about their child's illness and by involving them in the treatment process. © 1995 W.B. Saunders Company.