Persons with serious mental illness help relatives: rates and correlates of assistance

Abstract

Background: Scant research has focused on assistance provided by persons with serious mental illness (SMI) to relatives.Aims: The objectives of the present study are to (1) describe and compare rates of assistance provided by persons with SMI to relatives and vice versa and (2) examine the extent to which factors are associated with assistance provided by persons with SMI.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed. In 2014 and 2015, 573 adults with a relative with SMI completed an online survey. Multivariate logistic regression was computed.Results: Although persons with SMI were more likely to receive than provide assistance, 61% and 37% of persons with SMI provided relatives with assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) and financial assistance, respectively. Relationship type, co-residence and frequency of in-person contact were associated with providing assistance with ADL and financial assistance. Disability status and regular alcohol use were associated with assistance with ADL. Income was related to financial assistance.Conclusions: It is critical that researchers and practitioners acknowledge the help persons with SMI provide to relatives. Implications for research and practice are addressed.

Keywords: Reciprocity; caregiving; contribution; family; schizophrenia.