Stress and Resilence - Elements Influencing Parents with Mental Health Problems and their Children

Abstract

Over one third of all UK adults with mental health problems are parents. Most parents with mental health problems parent their children effectively. Two million children are estimated to live in households where at least one parent has a mental health problem but less than one quarter of these adults is in work. Children’s resilience is enhanced by a secure and reliable family base in which relationships promote self-esteem, self-efficacy and a sense of control. A parent’s resilience is enhanced by family (particularly children’s) understanding, satisfying employment, good physical health and professional, community and personal support. Potential stressors leading to parental mental health problems include a lack of money; breakdowns in valued relationships, bereavement, loss of control at work and long working hours. For children, stress factors include loss through bereavement, marital breakdown or illness, acting as a career, being bullied at school, homelessness and poverty.