Family functioning in families providing care for a family member with schizophrenia.

The purpose of this study is to explore the influences of family coping behaviors, psychological distress, social support, and patient behavioral problems on family functioning in families providing care for a member with schizophrenia. Family stress theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. A convenience sample of 58 families providing care for a family member with schizophrenia was recruited from a metropolitan area in a southeastern state. The majority of the caregivers were mothers who were married and college educated. The mean age of the caregiver was 59 years, with an average of 17 years in providing care for the family member. Findings indicate that family psychological distress and patient behavioral problems are important factors in family functioning. This knowledge may be useful for mental health nurses in assessing families and developing nursing interventions.