Perceived Impact of Parental PTSD/cPTSD on Familial Processes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Exploration of the Perceived Impact of Parental PTSD/cPTSD on Familial Processes: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis
IRAS ID
334899
Contact name
Katrina McLaughlin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Against a backdrop of culturally embedded trauma in Northern Ireland, one in five parents or caregivers have received a mental health diagnosis. Parental mental illness is linked to disrupted parent-child attachments and a dysfunctional parenting style, as well as onset of psychopathological symptoms in offspring. With continued emphasis on supports for other family members overshadowing consideration of parental needs, the Regional Trauma Network (RTN) has identified the needs of parents, specifically those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD, as a priority interest. The study will therefore seek to explore first-hand perspectives about the parent-child relationship, specifically in the context of Troubles-related PTSD/cPTSD in order to shape understanding of the way in which familial processes are impacted by the unique challenges the diagnosis presents. This will guide a set of recommendations for development of a parenting intervention specific to this population.
Participants will be recruited from within the RTN in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT). Inclusion criteria are as follows: aged 18+ years, currently accessing therapy in the RTN in the WHSCT, meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD/cPTSD (which is Troubles related), self-identifies as having parental responsibilities, English as primary language, ability to provide informed consent for research participation. Participation will involve a semi-structured interview lasting anywhere up to one hour which will be conducted face-to-face on premises within the WHSCT.
The research questions to be addressed are:
i) How do parents in Northern Ireland experience the parental role in the context of a Troubles-related PTSD/cPTSD diagnosis?
• Unpicking subjective parental perceptions, what influence, if any, does a Troubles-related PTSD/cPTSD diagnosis have on parenting practices and parent-child attachment relationships?ii) How can in-depth exploration of the idiosyncratic needs of parents living with a Troubles-related PTSD/cPTSD diagnosis in Northern Ireland shape the development of a PTSD/cPTSD parenting intervention?
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
24/NI/0035
Date of REC Opinion
17 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion