Short Term Group Intervention as a Means of Improving the Adjustment of Children of Mentally Ill Parents

ABSTRACT

Children of mentally ill parents suffer from emotional, behavioral and intellectual difficulties as a result of the unique problems they encounter in living with mentally ill parents. They experience a state of prolonged crisis and may be considered a high risk population. This article describes a group that aimed to improve the children's adjustment by providing a positive peer experience. The group intervention was aimed at creating a support system for improving the children's coping mechanisms and assisting in the rehabilitation of their damaged interpersonal skills and self concept.