Experiences of Asian American Parents in a Group Intervention for Youth With Schizophrenia

PROBLEM: Schizophrenia, which frequently strikes during adolescence or young adulthood, can have devastating effects on the family. Parents, who are primary caregivers for mentally ill adolescents, often lack the information and skills necessary to cope with the multiple and complex consequences of a major psychiatric disorder. Moreover, parents are ill‐ prepared to help their other children cope with the unpredictable changes that accompany having a mentally ill sibling. Asian American parents face similar issues in dealing with their schizophrenic adolescents. However, there is limited information available about this population. METHODS: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of four Asian American parents who participated in a community‐based, family‐centered, self‐management intervention program for youth with schizophrenia. Participants were interviewed using semistructured interviews and language interpreters. Data were analyzed utilizing content analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: (a) same, but different; (b) sharing and learning; (c) using skills learned; and (d) working with interpreters. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that Asian American parents valued their participation in the group intervention and emphasized their similarities with non‐Asian American families who have a mentally ill youth.