. 2015 Aug 26;31(3):231–240. doi: 10.1177/1533317515602085

Table 5.

Examples for the Category Redefinition of the Relationship.

Exploration of Role Change	Redefinition
T: How would you define your current role? Does it still feel like a mother–daughter relationship? C: No, it’s not like that anymore, it’s the other way around. It’s more like me being the mother and my mother is like a child. The roles have changed. T: And what does that mean for your relationship? C: I can’t expect things from her anymore, I’m responsible now. I can’t rely on her advice anymore.	T: Anyway, your relationship has changed; it is not like it used to be. That is painful; you are not husband and wife anymore. Maybe you are caregiver and care recipient now, aren’t you? [ … ] C: Well, you know what I think sometimes? It would be better if I could define us as caregiver and patient.

Exploration of Role Change

Redefinition

T: How would you define your current role? Does it still feel like a mother–daughter relationship? C: No, it’s not like that anymore, it’s the other way around. It’s more like me being the mother and my mother is like a child. The roles have changed. T: And what does that mean for your relationship? C: I can’t expect things from her anymore, I’m responsible now. I can’t rely on her advice anymore.

T: Anyway, your relationship has changed; it is not like it used to be. That is painful; you are not husband and wife anymore. Maybe you are caregiver and care recipient now, aren’t you? [ … ] C: Well, you know what I think sometimes? It would be better if I could define us as caregiver and patient.

Abbreviations: T, therapist; C, caregiver.