Coping Strategies of Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia in Malang Districts

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a disease that not only puts a burden on the afflicted individual but also poses a significant challenge to their caregivers. Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia use coping strategies to deal with these struggles. This study aimed to identify coping strategies used by family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. This was a descriptive correlational study. Participants were 57 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia who were referred to the general hospital in Malang Districts. They were selected through a purposive sampling method. The data collection tools were demographic and brief cope (BC). The scores of family caregivers using different types of coping strategies were: Self Direction 41.23%, Active Coping 85.75%, Denial 26.32%, Use of Emotional Support 89.25%, Use of Instrumental Support 96.49%, Behavioral Disengagement 35.09%, Venting 28.95%, Positive Reframing 95.18%, Planning 95.18%, Humor 95.18%, Acceptance 94.30%, Religion 91.45%, Self-Blaming 26.54%. The results showed that the most used adaptive coping strategy was instrumental support. Family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia have used adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Mental health professionals should make a program that supports family caregivers in making adaptive coping strategies. Keywords: caregivers, family, schizophrenia