TITLE:
Literature Review of Effective Practical Elements in Support for Family Caregivers of People with Mental Illnesses
AUTHORS:
Noriko Marumoto, Sumiko Matsuoka
KEYWORDS:
Mental Illness, Family Support, Practical Elements, Literature Review
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Objective: To review studies on support for family caregivers of people with mental illnesses and outline the support purposes and methods of such support, in order to analyze effective practical elements. Methods: Four manuscripts were identified through screening of two databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL). Details regarding support for families of people with mental illnesses were sorted and analyzed. Results: Although there were various types of mental illness and subjects, four effective practical elements were identified: “opportunities for dialogue”, “continuous connection with supporters”, “understanding and supporting the challenges of caring for people with mental illness supporting family caregivers”, and “not implementing specialist-led support”. Discussion: Results suggested that the support offered by specialists needed to be modified based on an understanding of the challenges faced by family members.