Developing a Shared Research Agenda for Working with Families where a Parent Has a Mental Illness

For which topic were research priorities identified?

mental illness

In which location was the research priority setting conducted?

international

Why was it conducted at all?

The mental health and wellbeing of parents and children are intimately related. Given the prevalence of parenting amongst those with a mental illness, along with the potentially adverse impact of parental psychopathology on families, it is imperative that we understand the needs of such families, and provide effective and acceptable services and supports.

What was the objective?

to identify a shared, international and inter-disciplinary research agenda amongst practitioners, researchers and administrators, in relation to families where a parent has a mental illness

What was the outcome?

a list of 6 research areas

How long did the research prioritization take?

1 day

Which methods were used to identify research priorities?

survey

How were the priorities for research identified exactly?

Step 1: survey asking: What key research question(s) do you want answered that if answered would help to significantly improve services to families where a parent has a mental illness?. Step 2: data processing: thematic analysis: 6 research areas identified

Which stakeholders took part?

Practitioners, researchers, policymakers and those with lived experience to share knowledge and experience. 57 participants: 45% practitioners (35% psychologists), 40% researchers.

How were stakeholders recruited?

Participants were recruited via the Fourth International Conference on Families with Parents with Mental Health Challenges. The sample was purposive.

Were stakeholders actively involved or did they just participate?

Stakeholders were mere participants of the research prioritization process; they were not actively involved in the process.