Family Resilience in Patients With Schizophrenia: Potential Influencing Factors and Mediating Effect

OBJECTIVE: To identify the determinants of family resilience in the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia using Walsh's family resilience framework. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: In Northeast China, 403 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled for this study, assessing family resilience, family communication, social support, illness knowledge, hope and family functioning. Regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0, and mediation effects were examined using Mplus 7.0. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed that female gender and having a sibling as a caregiver were negatively associated with family resilience, while a higher educational level was positively associated. Mediation analysis showed that family functioning and hope levels mediated the impact of family communication, social support and disease knowledge on family resilience, confirming their crucial roles. CONCLUSION: Family functioning and hope are central in mediating the relationships between family communication, social support, illness knowledge and family resilience in families dealing with schizophrenia. IMPACT: The findings of this study enable psychiatric nurses and policymakers to devise intervention strategies that enhance family resilience among patients with schizophrenia, thereby facilitating their recovery and well-being. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public engagement.