Developing and validating the coping intervention program on burden and wellbeing of family members of chronic mentally ill patients

Abstract

Suffering psychological distress and shouldering burdens while caring for a mentally ill relative affects not only the caregiver’s quality of life and health, but due to the increasing demands and responsibilities, there is an increasing concern about their ability to manage or cope up. Coping Intervention Program was formulated for family members who are giving care to the mentally ill people, after the thorough literature review, feedback from mental health expert and caregivers (during validation process), and a pilot study (for feasibility and preliminary effectiveness). Throughout, the focus was on simplicity, feasibility, and applicability across single settings (inpatient) and modalities (face-to-face/direct intervention). After much review Coping Intervention program took about 6 months to develop. The primary caregivers assessed the clarity, comprehension, and usefulness of the intervention. The final components included introductory interaction, audio-visual content, booklet, and clarification session. Lived problem solving session was used and educational session on effective coping strategies was adopted through audio visual content, psychoeducational approaches through booklet and audio-visual content, and practice sessions on mindfulness-based therapy and progressive muscle relaxation therapy through audio instructions. Pilot testing of Coping Intervention program suggested its feasibility in administration. Coping Intervention program was developed and validated through an interactive process, keeping cultural contextuality in mind. The investigators were planning to test its efficacy in a robustly designed study.