Date of Publication

2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Counseling and Educational Psychology

Thesis Adviser

Irma C. Coronel

Defense Panel Chair

Imelda V.G. Villar

Defense Panel Member

Allan B.I. Bernardo
Nancy C. Rayos
Lucille A. Montes
Leo J. Capeding

Abstract/Summary

This study explored the lived burden experience of caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder: types of burden, process involved in the burden experience, appraisal, resources, coping strategies, and adaptation to the burden experience. The study employed Consensual Qualitative Research method. The participants of the study were 10 primary and 10 secondary caregivers of patients in the initial (N=5) and chronic (N=5) stages. They were selected from three major psychiatric hospitals in Kerala, South India, through purposive sampling method. Data from in-depth interview were analyzed and the domains and categories were identified. Results indicated that both primary and secondary caregivers experience intense burden. The types of burden include subjective burden such as worry, anxiety, frustration, and stigma; and objective burden related to patient behavior, financial, societal, and familial concerns. The process consists of four stages viz: before diagnosis, getting diagnosis, recognizing the permanence of the illness, and acceptance, leading to changes in cognitive, affective and caregiving styles. The caregivers appraised burden as a tormenting, life -long suffering. The perceived resources were personal, familial, and social. The Caregivers used both problem- focused and emotion -focused coping strategies. The burden experiences may lead to either maladaptation or bonadaptation. The caregivers need for psycho-education and a support group to share their burden with is revealed in the study. Based on the findings and the participants suggestions, a program was developed to enhance bonadaptation among caregivers.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG004385

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

xii, 409 leaves ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Caregivers; Bipolar Disorder; Manic-depressive illness; Mental health

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