Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of fathers of adult children with schizophrenia by exploring the extent to which they engaged in caregiving. Cross-sectional data were gathered from 12 fathers over a 2-year period using naturalistic inquiry. Two instruments guided in-depth explorations of caregiving experiences, theme extrapolation, and theme refinement. Data were collected during taped interviews using the constant-comparative method. Findings indicated that the caregiving event was prolonged. Three themes explained the extent to which these fathers engaged in caregiving: involvement in care, unresolved issues, and severity of the event. Recommendations include similar studies with ethnic groups and use of chronic sorrow as a framework for studies about parental care for adult children with severe mental illness. Practice implications include immediate assessment of fathers, supportive listening, and brief therapy.