title: What about us? Children's experiences of living with a sibling with spinal cord injury.
abstract: Spinal cord injury is a life transforming condition that is thought to have an impact on the entire family of the affected individual. The needs and psychological outcomes of siblings of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) have not been researched. The current study focuses on the experiences of children living with a brother or sister with SCI. Eight participants (4 male, 4 female) aged between 7 and 18 years were interviewed using a semi-structured interview, concentrating on their unique experiences and understandings of having a brother or sister with SCI. The qualitative method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data and three main themes were identified: "Life interrupted", "What about me?" and "My safety net". Results are discussed in relation to attachment and coping and adjustment theories. The discussion also highlights the clinical implications for siblings and parents of children affected by SCI, and for professionals who work within pediatric SCI settings.
authors: Department of Clinical Psychology, National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stroke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Akhtar
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Kennedy
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Webster
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Graham
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological