Objective. This study explores how caregivers experience and makes sense of changes inidentity, personhood, and relational dynamics when caring for loved one with psychosis. Itaims to explore the relational and emotional complexities within caregiving, particularlyamong ethnically and culturally diverse groups often underrepresented in psychosis research.Design. A qualitative design was adopted using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) from acritical constructionist perspective. The research was shaped by participatory and antioppressive principles, including community consultation and researcher reflexivity.Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten self-identified caregivers ofloved ones experiencing psychosis. Participants came from a range of ethnic and culturalbackgrounds, and in varied caring roles. Interviews were analysed using RTA to explore latentthemes through a non-positivist lens.Results. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Stuck on a Tightrope of Fear and Love– describing early confusion, fear, and the loss of perceived personhood; (2) Tracing the Path– a process of reflection, contextualisation, and advocacy; and (3) Healing and Re-learning toLove – a shift toward compassion, new relational boundaries, and mutual growth. Participantsreported profound emotional and relational transformations, including a deepenedunderstanding of their loved ones and themselves.Conclusions. Caregiving in the context of psychosis involves navigating a spiral of loss,adaptation, and relational repair. These findings highlight the need for culturally informed,caregiver-inclusive interventions, and note the value of relational approaches in psychosisrecovery. Enhancing caregiver support may not only improve outcomes for service users butalso promote healing within caregiving relationships and communities.
| Date of Award | 10 Sept 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | |
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| Supervisor | Catherine Butler (Supervisor) & Rhiannon Bennett (Supervisor) |
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- alternative format
- psychosis
- spirituality
- ptsd
- cptsd
- meta-ethnography
- caregiver
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology : Main Research Portfolio: 1) Recovery in Psychosis: A Meta-Ethnography on the Role of Spirituality; 2) An Audit of Swindon Recovery Team’s Recognition and Treatment of PTSD: Alongside a Brief Look at Ethnicity; 3) The Tightrope of Relating in Psychosis: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis on Identity and Relationship Changes, from a Caregiver Perspective.
Keskin, S. (Author), Chadwick, P. (Author). 10 Sept 2025
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)