中華心理衛生協會

Purpose: The study was aimed to explore the dynamic of disease experiences and the relation of mother and daughter-in-law from the patient's perspectives. Methods: A qualitative approach and in-depth interview used to be aware of the subjective perception from a depressed woman, who had undergone stress resulting from her relationship with mother-in-law. The informed consent was obtained after the rapport was established. The taped, semi-structured interviews were carried out from January to June 2006. Six individual interviews were transcribed as verbatim and coded in textual analysis. Results: Five categories emerged: Difficulty to endure but have to be bound the fatalistic life; Entanglement over the past marriage resulting from former mother and daughter-in-law relation; Compelling herself the tight spot once again with daughter-in-law role; Facing the converted situation for being abruptly informed of depression; and Becoming aware of the affections turning point toward mother-in-law relation. Every category was supported by 3 themes. Patient's depression episodes are connected with social norms, personal characteristics, role conflicts and the traumatic events. Conclusions: The mother and daughters-in-law conflict intensified the existing manifestation of depression, it could bring the patients embodied experiences which allow them to gain new insight into her mind, regain a new life opportunity, and improve her relationship with her mother-in-law. Results of this study import information for mental health professionals to understand the psychosocial context among depressed women, as well as to provided interventions on women mental health, family role relation and marriage counseling.