What are the family needs when a parent has mental health problems? Evidence from a systematic literature review

• Published in: Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 54 - 66
• Main Authors: Wahl, Patricia, Bruland, Dirk, Bauer, Ullrich, Okan, Orkan, Lenz, Albert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2017
• Subjects: Child & adolescent psychiatry; Child of Impaired Parents - psychology; Child psychology; children; Families & family life; family needs; Family Nursing; Help Seeking; help‐seeking behaviors; Humans; Literature reviews; Mental Disorders - psychology; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mental health; mental health problems; Needs Assessment; Nursing; Parents & parenting; Parents - psychology; parents with mental illness; primary prevention; primary prevention; help-seeking behaviors; parents with mental illness; children; family needs; mental health problems
• ISSN: 1073-6077; 1744-6171
• DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12171

Problem Little evidence exists showing how a given high‐risk group of children born to parents with poor mental health seek help and how care may be improved in order to better reach and support their families. Methods A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify the needs and help‐seeking behaviors of children and their parents. Through an analysis of both quantitative and qualitative studies, published in German‐ and English‐speaking research literature, the needs of children and parents were identified and categorized. Findings concerning their help‐seeking behavior and the influence of demographic variables on needs and help‐seeking behaviors were also described. Findings In the primary studies, the most identified parental needs were “the need for being a good parent”; “worries about the child's well‐being”; and “the need for practical help.” For children, the categories identified included “the need for knowledge”; “worries about parent's well‐being”; and “the need for normality.” However, information about help‐seeking behaviors and influences of demographic factors was fairly limited in the literature. Conclusions In families with parental mental health problems, it seems especially important to take a family‐focused approach. The individual needs of children (and their families) should shape the planning of treatment and nursing care.