Cultural aspects within caregiver interactions of ultra‐Orthodox Jewish women and their family members with mental illness.

Abstract

The role of cultural dynamics and norms within families of persons with mental illness has been an underexplored subject, although the familial context has been recognized as influential. This subject was studied with 24 ultra-Orthodox Jewish mothers of persons with mental illness who live in a relatively closed religious community. While participating in the Keshet educational program designed for family caregivers in mental health, they wrote Meaningful Interactional Life Episodes that involved a dialogue exchange in their lives. Qualitative analysis of 50 episodes illuminates the significant role that religious and cultural norms have in the perceptions of what are considered stressors and the dynamics in these families surrounding these stressors. The necessity and value of incorporating cultural competence into family educational programs and interventions is emphasized, as this may contribute to the potential use and success of mental health service models within a population that essentially underutilizes these services.

Aspects of Shared Decision Making in a Cognitive-Educational Intervention for Family Members of Persons Coping With Severe Mental Illness

“…Creating partnership and collaboration within Keshet were special changes and adaptations that were made in the course. Weiss et al ( 29 ) describe the changes that were made to ensure compatibility for a specific population which required cultural adaptation, namely the ultra-orthodox Jewish community in Israel ( 26 ). This community is characterized by being secluded and viewing of modernity as a threat to religious beliefs.…”

The meaning of burden of care in a faith-based community: the case of ultra-Orthodox Jews (UOJ)

“…Our study stressed the emotional aspect of burden in a unique way. While other studies suggested that psychological burden is mainly manifested in self-centered expressions (.e.g., 'me' in the process), our participants, as members of a traditional collectivistic society (Weiss, Shor, & HadasÀLidor, 2013), experienced their emotional burden by reporting on their main subject of concern to their significant other À the aging parent's care. In other words, their prayers were directed towards the welfare of others.…”

Understanding the occupational identity of care-givers for people with mental health problems

“…Social growth was found to be stunted in this population due to stigma and lack of social support, therefore impacting on both social and occupational identity (Acero et al, 2017;Marimbe et al, 2016;Weiss et al, 2013).…”