"They think they are just crazy". An exploration of the experience of young people who have a parent in contact with mental health services

This thesis presents the findings from an interpretative phenomenological
analysis (IPA) of the experience of young people whose parents are in contact
with mental health services. An overview of previous literature suggested that
these young people have largely been overlooked by researchers until the last
decade. More recently, projects have been underway that aim to address the
specific needs of this group, particularly by encouraging professionals to
consider clients' roles as parents. These have been mostly from a psychiatric
perspective and have tended to rely on illness models of understanding and
identifying mental distress. It could be argued that there is a need for a study
that focuses on a more complex analysis of the lived experiences of these
young people in the U.K.
An account is given of the theoretical and procedural issues associated with
IPA. An analysis is then provided of the accounts of the six participants, who
are between 11 and 17 and live with a parent who is in contact with mental
health services. Seven themes emerged; being protected by their parents,
taking a positive attitude, not disclosing to others, lack of knowledge and
understanding about mental health, negative attitudes towards mental health,
assuming responsibility and a positive view of services and support. A
reflexive critical review of the research is considered and the implications of
the study for future research, policy and services discussed.

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