Research abstract
\nAlthough there is a large body of research literature concerning the impact of childhood chronic illness on family relationships, very little of this has specifically focussed on the impact of childhood Chronic Fatigue Syndrome\/Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS\/ME). The current study therefore aims to investigate the impact of having a child with CFS\/ME on family relationships from the perspective of parents.<\/p>\n
This study takes a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore 18 parents\u2019 experiences of having a child with CFS\/ME and the impact this has had on family relationships. Interview data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.<\/p>\n
The analysis led to the identification of 5 main themes: \u201cLong and Difficult Journey\u201d,\u00a0 Uncertainty\u201d, \u201cIsolation and Restriction\u201d, \u201cfocus on the unwell person at the expense of family life\u201d and \u201cParental roles\u201d. They felt that life had become a constant struggle and often felt exhausted. They\u00a0 felt uncertainty, isolation and restriction.<\/p>\n
These parents talked about feeling like family life\u00a0 had become focussed on their unwell child, such that some expressed a need to escape\u00a0 from the situation. They also described how, as a consequence of managing their child\u2019s\u00a0 CFS\/ME, family members could often feel marginalised and the illness could be seen as a destructive force.<\/p>\n
However, many parents also described working as a team and feeling\u00a0 that family relationships had benefitted in some way. The results of this study are in line\u00a0with findings of other studies into other chronic illnesses. In addition, this is the first study\u00a0to focus exclusively on the impact of CFS\/ME on family relationships from the perspective\u00a0of the parents, and is unique in that there is a dual focus on both mothers and fathers.<\/p>\n
Clinicians should be aware that parents of children with CFS\/ME may need additional\u00a0 support, such as information as to what to expect at various stages of the illness and\u00a0where to access the relevant support.<\/p>\n
The impact of managing a child’s chronic fatigue syndrome\/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS\/ME) on family relationships<\/a>\u00a0by Andrew Haig-Ferguson, Masters thesis\u00a0 July 2014, University of the West of England<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Research abstract Although there is a large body of research literature concerning the impact of childhood chronic illness on family relationships, very little of this has specifically focussed on the impact of childhood Chronic Fatigue Syndrome\/Myalgic Encephalopathy (CFS\/ME). The current … Continue reading