Influencing factors for psychological resilience of family caregivers of schizophrenia patients: A qualitative study

This study aimed to better understand the risk factors and protective variables of psychological resilience among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. From March 2023 to June 2023, 16 family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia from 13 communities in Urumqi City were chosen as study subjects through purposive sampling using phenomenological research methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the interview data were organized and analyzed using the Colaizzi 7-step data analysis method. Through analysis and summary, 5 themes and 12 subthemes of negative emotional experience, burden, coping techniques, social support, and demand. Risk factors for family caregivers' psychological resilience could be categorized as stigma, depression, anxiety, caregiving burden, financial burden and negative coping styles; Protective factors could be categorized as positive coping styles, family support, government support, and good interpersonal relationships. The development of psychological resilience in family caregivers of people with schizophrenia involves several factors that can be improved by meeting the needs of family caregivers, strengthening family health education, and strengthening government policy support.