Having a sibling with schizophrenia: a phenomenological study.
Limited attention has been paid to experiences of individuals with siblings diagnosed with schizophrenia. The purpose of this article is to address this gap by exploring the impact of having a brother or sister with schizophrenia. The lived experience of 6 individuals with a sibling with schizophrenia was explored using van Manen's (1997) Hermeneutic Phenomenology. Four themes were identified: struggling to understand, struggling with the system, caring for the sibling, and seeing beyond the illness. Health care providers need to re-evaluate current approaches for assisting individuals to cope with having a sibling with schizophrenia. Inclusion in the plan of care and recognition of their struggle is essential for individuals having a sibling with schizophrenia.
Barnable
Alexia
A
Western Health Authority, Mental Health and Addictions, Corner Brook, Canada. alexiabarnable@westernhealth.nl.ca
Gaudine
Alice
A
Bennett
Lorna
L
Meadus
Robert
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D015984:Causality; D032882:Comprehension; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004645:Empathy; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005639:Frustration; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000517:prevention & control; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012752:Shame; D012801:Sibling Relations; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires