Understanding grief and guilt as common themes in family response to mental illness: Implications for social work practice

Abstract

Grief and guilt are common themes in the response of family members to the emergence of schizophrenia in a family member. This paper explores the diverse research literature on families and schizophrenia, and considers the specific concepts of grief and guilt. This review provides a basis for the critical reflection on social work practice with families of people with schizophrenia. The nature and expression of grief and guilt are discussed and developed in relation to practice and a number of practice conclusions are drawn. These include the importance of understanding and respecting the family's experience of grief and guilt, the importance of an empathic response to grief and guilt, and the importance of a teaching and supportive approach to family work.