Lived Experience of Caregivers of Individuals Labeled with Schizophrenia

Authors

Nicolette C. Hamilton, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Susan MacDermott, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

Files

Description

The purpose of the capstone project was to explore the experience of caregivers of an individual labeled with schizophrenia and create educational materials beneficial to caregivers at partnering site. Caregivers of individuals labeled with schizophrenia can face mental health concerns, such as anxiety, stress, or depression, which may or may not be due to the demands of being a caregiver. The occupational impact of these mental health concerns is noted in literature, but the potential for occupational therapy to address these occupational concerns has not been identified for this caregiver population specifically. The purpose of the project was to learn more about caregiver’s experience from providing care for an individual labeled with schizophrenia through an occuapational lense secondary to the mental health concerns caregivers face. The project aimed to understand if caregiver’s occupations are impacted and in what way while engaging in caregiver responsibilities. The capstone project consisted of several components mainly achieved through an in-depth learning experience with the population of caregivers in the mental health setting. A detailed literature review, completed needs assessment, and educational resources were all completed as a result of the learning experience provided through various platforms. The student gained proficient knowledge in the topic chosen along with a better understanding of how occupational therapy supports caregivers in the mental health system.

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2025

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Caregivers, Schizophrenia, Mental health, Occupations, Occupational therapy

Medical Subject Headings

Caregivers, Schizophrenia, Mental health, Occupations, Occupational therapy

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the in-person OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on April 21, 2025.

Recommended Citation

Hamilton, N. C., & MacDermott, S. (2025, April 21). Lived Experience of Caregivers of Individuals Labeled with Schizophrenia. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/33

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.