Journal
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
Volume 44, Issue 12, Pages 1031-1040Publisher
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-009-0025-5
Keywords
Schizophrenia; Family caregivers; Domestic violence; Aggression; PTSD; Coping
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Exposure to aggression and associated psychological outcomes are poorly characterised among carer-relatives of people with psychosis. Carer-relatives (N = 106) completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographics and perceived prevalence of aggression in their caring role in the last 12 months. Carers exposed to moderate-severe levels of aggression were re-approached to assess PTSD and coping strategies. Most respondents (77.4%) reported experiencing moderate-severe levels of aggression. Increased contact with (M = 15.12 vs. M = 6.71 days per month), and significantly higher ratings of affective, antisocial, negative and psychotic symptomology in affected relatives were associated with experiences of moderate-severe aggression. Approximately half of the moderate-severe respondents reported potentially significant levels of PTSD (52%, N = 34), which was associated with greater exposure to verbal aggression and increased usage of coping strategies. Comparable ratios of physical to non-physical aggression to those reported by professional carers working in acute psychiatric treatment settings were reported. Carer-relatives require greater levels of information and support to assist them in their community caring roles.
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