The role and impact of social networks for children of parents with severe and enduring mental illness

Abstract

This thesis examines the role and impact of social networks for children of parents with severe and enduring mental illness (COPMI). It addresses a critical research gap and explores how network function contributes to wellbeing. No prior research has applied social network theory to COPMI, despite the well evidenced protective effects of support and connectedness. Findings from other populations indicates the potential of this research to inform interventions that improve health-related quality of life. This thesis contributes a new framework, the COPMI-NEM, an adapted Network Episode Model, to conceptualise structural, functional and dynamic aspects of COPMI networks. This thesis project finds that COPMI experience network impoverishment including in quality and quantity of support received, and social thinning over time. The ages of ten to thirteen may represent a critical intervention point to prevent this loss of ties. However, other relationships have potential to compensate to meet COPMI support needs when deficits exist. Direct data collection with children highlights the active role of COPMI as active agents strategically navigating available relationships. Service intervention in COPMI networks can assist children in network activation to realise latent support. Network interventions for COPMI can facilitate community integration and foster COPMI skills to assist them in developing adaptive network navigation strategies, including navigating stigma, understanding healthy relationships and help seeking. Animal ties present opportunities for non stigmatising companionship and connectedness. Professionals interviewed describe a need for training and support to adopt network conscious working practices. These include interdisciplinary collaboration, clear yet flexible codes of practice that prioritise relationships over performance targets. Such practices could include network meetings, or Open Dialogue approaches which facilitate relational paradigms where professionals can recognise and cultivate the social networks of families affected by parental mental illness. This thesis also contributes methodological insights, providing concrete recommendations for social network research, intervention design, development and evaluation. Improved conceptualisation of networks in research offers the opportunity to develop conceptually rigorous network interventions that offer potential to improve COPMI quality of life.

Date of Award	2 Apr 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Penny Bee (Supervisor), Judith Gellatly (Supervisor) & Helen Brooks (Supervisor)