ANADOLU PSIKIYATRI DERGISI-ANATOLIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, vol.11, no.2, pp.89-94, 2010 (SCI-Expanded)
Objective: Despite the research on negative effects of schizophrenia, research examining positive changes experienced by caregivers is nonexistent. The study aims to investigate the relationship between posttraumatic growth and sociodemographic variables, coping strategies, social support in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The Posttravmatic Growth Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Ways of Coping Inventory were used. One hundred caregivers (71 women, 29 men) were participated into the study. The results were analyzed by unpaired t and chi square tests. Results: Younger age of the caregivers and patients, more social support and using problem solving strategies were significantly related to posttraumatic growth. Discussion: Providing sufficient social support and educating caregivers on problem solving strategies might be supportive in treatment of schizophrenia. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2010;11:89-94)