Hope and Schizophrenia in the Latino Family Context

Community Ment Health J. 2019 Jan;55(1):42-50. doi: 10.1007/s10597-018-0354-5. Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Abstract

This study explored hope among Latinos with schizophrenia and their family caregivers to gain a greater understanding of how it is experienced in the family context. Data were collected from 34 participants (14 individuals with schizophrenia; 20 family caregivers). Semistructured in-depth interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, comparing codes across and within consumer and family caregiver transcripts. Findings revealed that hope was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct and was a vital resource for participants. Specifically, there was an emphasis on contextual factors that included religion and spirituality and interpersonal relationships. Findings underscore the need to expand our understanding of how hope is perceived and developed among Latinos and other underserved groups. This could lead to better recognition of this salient resource to incorporate its varied dimensions into treatment models that address the needs of consumers and family caregivers.

Keywords: Cultural factors; Family caregiving; Hispanic; Interpersonal relationships; Religion and spirituality; Serious mental illness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Hope*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Social Support