Topic: To describe the lived experiences of male caregivers of severely mentally ill relatives and their perceptions of this nontraditional role.
Methods: A qualitative study of informal interviews with purposively selected male caregivers (N = 10), using an informal interview guide that addressed psychosocial, physical, financial, and crisis-management categories.
Findings: The data yielded three themes of caregiving: expressions of burden, duration and depth of commitment, and role affirmation.
Conclusions: The results can help health professionals develop needed education and support services for men in this emerging role and contribute to family health in the community.