統合失調症患者をもつ母親の対処過程

Coping Process of Mothers of Children with Schizophrenia

要旨

　統合失調症を発症した子どもをもつ母親9名への対処過程に関して半構造化的インタビューを実施し，修正版グラウンデッド・セオリー・アプローチ（M-GTA）に準拠して分析した．その結果，母親は子どもの異常行動に対して緊張感を維持しながらケアを継続していた．ケアを継続できた要因は，仲間との出会い，仲間との共感，仲間に支持されたことの自信であった．母親にとって，子どもの統合失調症発症を受容することは困難を伴うことであり，回復の兆しに治癒を期待し，症状が再燃するたびに落ち込みを体験していた．受容は，母親のケアに対する積極的意思への変化により深まる傾向がみられた．また，母親は統合失調症に関して混乱と恐怖を強く記憶に留めていた．母親がもつ恐怖体験に対して，早期に心理的ケア行うなど，支援が必要であると示唆された．

Abstract

　A semi-structured interview was conducted targeting 9 mothers of children with schizophrenia, regarding their coping process, and the results were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach (M-GTA). Consequently, it was demonstrated that the mothers continued to be engaged in child care while feeling pressure due to their children's abnormal behavior. In this respect, getting acquainted with other mothers of schizophrenic children, the feeling of sympathy shared with them, and self-confidence nurtured by their support helped support their child-care efforts. Mothers have difficulty accepting the reality of schizophrenia in their children;while rejoiced at the signs of recovery, they felt depressed with each flare-up of symptoms. Generally, when mothers became determined to continue their child-care efforts, they became able to accept the reality. Moreover, they remembered clearly the states of confusion and fear they experienced about schizophrenia. It was therefore suggested that some support including early psychological care should be provided for mothers having the experience of fear.