Exploring Psychological Functioning and Occupational Participation among Caregivers of Individuals with Mental Illness: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Mental disorders represent a significant global and national public health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide Mental illness may cause a variety of problems such as experience psychological distress, social isolation, financial strain, and reduced quality of life due to caregiving responsibilities of the patient’s family members as well as increased social distance for the patient and the family caring for the patient. Aim: To explore the psychological functioning and occupational participation of caregivers of individuals with mental illness and how caregiving influences their daily occupational participation. Methods: This study was designed using a qualitative, phenomenological approach. Participants were recruited from the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital. Data gathered from twelve family caregivers among individuals with mental illness involved conducting in-depth face-to-face interviews using semi-structured interview guidelines and the age of the caregiver above 18. The sample size was based on achieving data saturation. The study employed audio-recording techniques to capture first-person narratives in Bangla, which were transcribed and translated into English. The present study integrated thematic analysis, utilizing Braun and Clark's six-step approach. Result: Four main themes emerged with emotional and psychological burden, physical health and self-care impact, disruption in daily functioning and finances, and changes in social relationships, identity, and coping. This study shows caregivers experienced persistent emotional distress, physical exhaustion, reduced occupational participation, financial strain, and social isolation. Despite these challenges, caregivers relied on coping strategies such as religious faith, acceptance, and emotional endurance, which helped them continue caregiving but did not substantially reduce the overall burden. Conclusion: Family caregivers of individuals with mental illness experience significant psychological, physical, social, and occupational challenges. Although coping strategies support endurance, the findings underscore the urgent need for caregiver centered mental health services, psychosocial support, respite care, and policy-level interventions to address caregivers’ psychological functioning and occupational participation. Keywords: Caregivers, Mental Illness, Psychological Functioning, Occupational Participation, Caregiver Burden