5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

It is recognised by the World Health Organisation and other international bodies that families and carers play a key role in supporting relatives who experience mental disorder. However, the role and expectation of the family and friends in supporting those experiencing mental disorder varies across jurisdictions due to culture, belief and the structure of government and NGOs who provide services.

The impact on families and carers of offering support can be significant both to their physical and mental wellbeing. Undermining existing coping strategies due to the stress, strain and frustration and resulting in an unequal ability to participation in society due to the burden.

Needless to say these individuals are also expected within their jurisdictions to negotiate complex law and policy that inform how society should respond to those who have a mental disorder, and those who care for them. Challenges also exist as to how to balance the differing perspectives of the mental disorder presented by all stakeholders, whilst also promoting protecting personal rights and ensuring that harm is minimised.

This session welcomes papers that consider the impact of mental disorder on family and carers from a theoretical and/or practical perspective. Papers might also focus on how mental health systems are organised and structured to support and inform families and carers