Coping and spirituality among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia: a descriptive study from South India

In many parts of the world family members are the primary caretakers of persons with mental illness. The chronic stress associated with being a caregiver for an individual with schizophrenia can result in a variety of emotional responses, influenced by religion, spirituality and different styles of coping. The aim of this study was to assess patterns of coping, and spiritual and religious beliefs among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Consecutive patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers attending an outpatient clinic were recruited. Patients were rated on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. The Royal Free Interview for Religious and Spiritual Beliefs, Modified Jalowiec Coping Scale and General Health Questionnaire-12 were administered to caregivers. Socio-demographic details of carers and clinical details of patients were recorded. Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were found to cope in a variety of ways; the most useful and frequently used was the optimistic style of coping. While religious beliefs had an influence, factors significantly associated with coping included caregiver education and employment and patient psychopathology. Providing support to carers of patients with schizophrenia and enhancing their coping is an essential part of quality clinical care. Spirituality and religion can serve as a positive coping strategy.