A grounded theory analysis of care-coordinators’ perceptions of family growth associated with an experience of first episode psychosis

ABSTRACT Background Growth associated with a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is taken from post-traumatic growth literature, where positive changes are perceived following adverse circumstances. FEP is a critical period in which care-coordinators play a key role in working with families. Care-coordinators’ perceptions influence the way in which they work with families. Methods Eleven care-coordinators described their perceptions of growth within families with FEP through semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using social constructivist grounded theory. Results Care-coordinators perceived the existence of family growth in the form of enhanced communication, as well as less explicit forms of growth including distancing from unhelpful relationships and a re-establishment of norms and boundaries. Growth was inhibited by the construct of the “perfect family” model, a mis-trust in services due to suspiciousness or prior negative experiences of services. Discussion These inhibitors limit engagement with interventions and prevent open exploration of difficulties. Future work may consider how these findings align with the views of families.