The role of schemas in the experience of distress, burden, and wellbeing in parents and siblings of people with serious mental health difficulties

Abstract

Background: Caregivers of people with serious mental health difficulties (SMHD), such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, face various psychological challenges. It is unclear if the mechanisms underlying these challenges differ between different groups of caregivers. This study examined whether the relationship between maladaptive schemas and distress, burden, and reduced wellbeing differed between parents and siblings of people with SMHD. Methods: 70 parents and 40 siblings completed an online survey that included measures of schemas (Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety symptoms (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7), ..