Preliminary research led by Weill Cornell Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and NewYork-Presbyterian has found that parents of children with mental health issues often experience stigma. This stigma arises when societal ideals of what constitutes a “good parent” are perceived to be unmet. The study, published on October 6 in Psychiatric Services, outlines how discussions with parents can help develop better support systems and enhance their perceptions of parenting amidst their child’s mental health challenges.
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The researchers identified key qualities that can bolster parents’ feelings of respect and competence, including emotional support, open communication, boundaries, and positive role modeling. Dr. Tim Becker, the study’s lead author and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, emphasized that recognizing the experiences of parents regarding stigma is essential for clinicians to effectively aid them. He noted that empowered parents tend to foster better outcomes for their children.
Previous studies indicate that stigma leads to increased parental depression and diminished quality of life and can deter parents from seeking assistance for their children. For this study, researchers conducted interviews with 24 parents whose children faced ADHD, depression, or substance use issues. Parents shared their struggles to feel like “good parents” and how their children’s mental health challenges contributed to feelings of stigma, undermining their self-identity.
Dr. Becker highlighted that many parents expressed feeling isolated and judged by family, educators, and health providers for their children’s issues, which exacerbated their sense of stigma. He advocates that care plans for children with mental health issues should take parental stigma into account, as it can lead to distress and hinder treatment engagement.
In response to the identified stigma, Dr. Becker noted that traditional stigma-reduction strategies often focus solely on psychoeducation about children’s conditions. However, these approaches may not address the everyday stigma faced by parents. A collaborative approach between clinicians and parents can better support both the child’s and the parent's needs.
The research team is currently evaluating a video intervention designed to illustrate a parent’s experiences with stigma and the journey toward overcoming it. According to Dr. Becker, improving outcomes for children ultimately benefits parents as well, as family well-being is interconnected.
This study received funding from the American Academy of Child Psychiatry and the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, under grant number R25 MH125775.