Parents of children with mental health issues face stigma linked to parenting ideals
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and Columbia University found that parents may feel stigmatized when their child's mental health struggles conflict with societal expectations of good parenting.
Study identifies sources of parental stigma
Preliminary research indicates that parents experience stigma when they believe they fail to meet important ideals of being a good parent. Discussions with these families are currently helping inform new approaches to support them. The study was published in the journal Psychiatric Services.
Qualities that reduce self-blame and shame
Investigators identified emotional support, open communication, boundaries, and role modeling as qualities that help parents feel more secure. Supporting parents in fulfilling these specific qualities can help them feel less self-blame for their child's condition. Dr Tim Becker noted that supporting children also requires supporting the parents who raise them.
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