Terence V McCann1, Dan I Lubman2. 1. Program of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 2. Turning Point, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: To explore the coping strategies used by affected family members of a relative with substance misuse. BACKGROUND: Families play an important role in supporting a relative with substance misuse. However, the experience often has an adverse effect on their general well-being, the extent of which depends largely on their coping strategies. DESIGN: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study. Data were collected between January - December 2015. METHOD: Semistructured, audio-recorded qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 affected family members. RESULTS: Three main themes and related subthemes were abstracted from the data illustrating how participants coped with their relative's substance misuse: (1) Seeking timely access to evidence-based information; (2) Enhancing personal coping strategies and (3) Accessing informal and formal support. CONCLUSION: Greater investment is needed in support services for affected family members, particularly in regional and rural areas. A wide range of accessible evidence-based information and informal and formal support, including telephone and online support, is needed to assist them to cope in this crucial support-giving role. Affected family members need to adopt a flexible set of coping strategies while supporting a relative with substance misuse. Family and friends, alcohol and other drug services, mental health nurses and other clinicians have a critical role providing emotional, instrumental and educational support to affected family members to enhance their adaptive coping strategies.
AIM: To explore the coping strategies used by affected family members of a relative with substance misuse. BACKGROUND: Families play an important role in supporting a relative with substance misuse. However, the experience often has an adverse effect on their general well-being, the extent of which depends largely on their coping strategies. DESIGN: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study. Data were collected between January - December 2015. METHOD: Semistructured, audio-recorded qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 affected family members. RESULTS: Three main themes and related subthemes were abstracted from the data illustrating how participants coped with their relative's substance misuse: (1) Seeking timely access to evidence-based information; (2) Enhancing personal coping strategies and (3) Accessing informal and formal support. CONCLUSION: Greater investment is needed in support services for affected family members, particularly in regional and rural areas. A wide range of accessible evidence-based information and informal and formal support, including telephone and online support, is needed to assist them to cope in this crucial support-giving role. Affected family members need to adopt a flexible set of coping strategies while supporting a relative with substance misuse. Family and friends, alcohol and other drug services, mental health nurses and other clinicians have a critical role providing emotional, instrumental and educational support to affected family members to enhance their adaptive coping strategies.
Authors: Ching-Yen Chen; Chen-Chun Lin; Jung-Ta Kao; Wen-Ling Yeh; Chiao-Yun Lin; Yun-Fang Tsai Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-05-01 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Bianca Oliveira Ruiz; Sonia Regina Zerbetto; Sueli Aparecida Frari Galera; Bruno José Barcellos Fontanella; Angélica Martins De Souza Gonçalves; Simone Teresinha Protti-Zanatta Journal: Rev Lat Am Enfermagem Date: 2021-06-28