Aryuwat, Pimwalunn and Holmgren, Jessica (2026) From 'emotional storm' to post-traumatic growth among caregivers of individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders: an integrative review. Nursing Reports, 16, (8), 280. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16080280.
External website: https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/16/8/280
Family caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders experience substantial psychological burden. However, emerging evidence suggests many develop resilience and post-traumatic growth despite adversity. This integrative review synthesizes evidence on resilience, coping strategies, post-traumatic growth, and protective factors among these caregivers.
The Whittemore and Knafl integrative review framework guided this synthesis. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed articles examining resilience, coping mechanisms, and post-traumatic growth in family caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were included. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were extracted and analyzed using thematic synthesis to identify common patterns.
Multiple protective factors facilitate resilience and post-traumatic growth, including cultural values, family connectedness, religious faith, and emotional intelligence. Individual characteristics such as personality traits and decision-making styles influence adaptation outcomes. Structured interventions including psychoeducation, mindfulness practices, and peer support show initial evidence of enhancing caregiver resilience and psychological well-being, based on a single randomized controlled trial and cross-sectional associations. The caregiving experience provides opportunities for meaningful personal transformation despite significant burden.
Family caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders possess substantial capacity for positive psychological change. Healthcare professionals should implement strength-based, family-centered interventions acknowledging caregiver resilience. Future research employing longitudinal designs and investigating intervention mechanisms is essential to advance caregiver-focused mental health services.
F Concepts in psychology > Skills > Coping skills / Resilience
F Concepts in psychology > Psychological stress / emotional trauma / adversity
G Health and disease > State of health / wellbeing > Mental health
G Health and disease > Substance use disorder (addiction)
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family support
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family relations > Family role
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family relations > Family role > Role of parent / guardian
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family relations > Parent – child relations
L Social psychology and related concepts > Family > Family and kinship > Family and substance use > Substance related family problems
T Demographic characteristics > Affected family members / concerned persons / others
T Demographic characteristics > Parent / guardian
VA Geographic area > International
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