title: Having a sibling with schizophrenia: a phenomenological study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Western Health Authority, Mental Health and Addictions, Corner Brook, Canada. alexiabarnable@westernhealth.nl.ca
authors.forename: Alexia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barnable
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaudine
authors.forename: Lorna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meadus
mesh_terms: 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