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“I am secretary, therapist, maid, nurse”: A qualitative exploration of lived experiences of caring for a family member with a BPD diagnosis

Murray, Romany; Clarke, Victoria; Flothmann, Charlotte

Authors

Romany Murray

Profile image of Victoria Clarke

Dr Victoria Clarke Victoria.Clarke@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Qualitative & Critical Psychology

Charlotte Flothmann



Abstract

Background: Informal caring is an increasingly common phenomenon. Experiences of mental health caring are not well-researched, and few studies focus on experiences of family carers supporting individuals with a Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) diagnosis.
Aims: This research explores lived experiences of people in caring roles for family members diagnosed with BPD.
Methods: Seventy-two participants who identified as carers to a loved one diagnosed with BPD completed an online qualitative survey. Six of these participants took part in follow-up interviews, and three completed a follow-up survey. Survey responses and interviews were compiled and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Two main themes were developed. ‘Labour of Love’ involved experiences of burden and strain, and ‘Self as Secondary’ incorporated feeling unheard and obliged to censor one’s own behaviours.
Conclusions: Overall, this research broadens awareness of how a mental health diagnosis and a diagnosis of BPD specifically can have a broader, systemic impact on not only the individuals diagnosed, but their families and those providing support to them, and suggests that provision of support by healthcare providers to carers is necessary.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 25, 2025
Deposit Date Mar 12, 2025
Print ISSN 0963-8237
Electronic ISSN 1360-0567
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2025.2460124
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13935788

This file is under embargo due to copyright reasons.

Contact Victoria.Clarke@uwe.ac.uk to request a copy for personal use.





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