International Journal of Innovative Research and Knowledge


Volume-4 Issue-5, May 2019




Title: SELF CARE SKILLS AND SELF STIGMA: COMBATING STIGMA AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY IN KENYA

Author: Veronica Karimi Nyaga & Monicah Buyatsi Oundo

Abstract

Family members to persons with psychological disorders are seldom prepared for the care giving role. As a result attention and resources are channeled towards trying to resolve the condition of the loved one at the expense of the wellbeing of the rest of the family members. Most affected are the family caregivers of persons with psychological disorders who attempt to balance the care giving role, work and family responsibilities in the face of stigma. Internalization of stigma associated with psychological disorders by the family caregivers culminates into self stigma and emanating distress. Hence, this study sought to determine the effectiveness of self care skills in combating self stigma among family caregivers of persons with psychological disorders in Tharaka Nithi County in Kenya. The Pre-test/Post-test Quasi Experimental research design was used for the study. Snowball and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample 322 participants from a target population of 1,966 respondents. A family caregivers’ self stigma scale and the counsellors’ interview guide were used for data collection. The paired t-test statistic and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The findings indicated that self care skills were effective in combating self stigma among the family caregivers. It was recommended that mental health providers advocate for family caregivers in terms of time off work to deal with crisis, tax relief to cushion expenses incurred on persons with psychological disorders who are unable to engage in productive activities as well as provision of self care skills.


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IJIRK DESCRIPTION

ISSN: 2213-1356

Publisher: Scholar Touch Publishers

Area/Scope: Business, Economics & Management; Social Science, Literature, Arts & Humanities; Engineering & Technology; Life Science & Physical Science, Health & Medical Science

Frequency: Monthly

Format: Online & Print

Language: English

Review Process: Double Blinded

Access: Open Access