Siblings of People Diagnosed with a Mental Disorder and Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract

This study examines the potential for posttraumatic growth (PTG) for siblings of persons diagnosed with a mental disorder. Using the posttraumatic growth Inventory we compared siblings (N = 33) with a comparison group of participants who did not experience trauma (N = 30). Our group of participants who had a sibling diagnosed with a mental disorder by a mental health professional (N = 33) reported higher PTG scores with mostly large effect sizes on most of the inventory subscales. Participants who took an active role in care giving experienced less PTG than participants who did not. Having a sibling diagnosed with a mental disorder presents an opportunity to experience PTG. Implications for the therapeutic milieus are discussed.

Experiencing the relationship with a sibling coping with mental health problems: Dilemmas of connection, communication, and role

“…On one hand, the siblings experience a range of negative states such as distress, depressive symptoms, and stressful family relationships with family of origin. On the other hand, in their personal, familial, and social lives they may show positive and resilient functioning and adjustment (Kilmer, Cook, Taylor, Kane, & Clark, ; Sanders & Szymanski, ; Smith & Greenberg, ). The experience of positive growth comes when they feel able to set limits and strike the right balance between their own needs and the needs of their sibling (Leith et al., ; Sanders & Szymanski, ; Smith & Greenberg, ), something the interviewees were striving to achieve.…”

“…Stalberg, Ekerwald, and Hultman (), found that siblings respond to those challenges with avoidance, isolation, and grief, but also with normalisation and active care. Siblings who fulfill the caregiver role may also experience positive growth, a sense of competence, and personal satisfaction (Leith, Jewell, & Stein, ; Sanders & Szymanski, ; Smith & Greenberg, ). Hatfield and Lefley () found that nearly all siblings expect to be involved in the care of their brother or sister by providing social and emotional support as opposed to concrete assistance.…”

Posttraumatic Growth in Family Members Living With a Relative Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

“…Husbands of breast cancer survivors have reported positive life changes and growth (Weiss, 2004). Siblings of individuals diagnosed with a mental illness had higher levels of PTG than those people who had siblings without a mental illness (Sanders & Szymanski, 2012). PTG has been positively associated with adaptive styles of emotion or problem-focussed coping (Bellizzi & Blank, 2006), and with social support from friends/family in cancer patients (Bozo, Gündoğdu, & Büyükaşik-Çolak, 2009;Prati & Pietrantoni, 2009;Swickert, Hittner, & Foster, 2012).…”

Spotlight on Sibling Involvement in Schizophrenia Treatment

“…Expectations concerning a future caregiving role need to be broached (Smith, Greenberg, & Mailick Seltzer, 2007), the burdens of care discussed (Awad & Voruganti, 2008;Lohrer, Lukens, & Thorning, 2007). Although there is loss, loneliness, shame, grief, and anger associated with caring for a sibling who suffers from schizophrenia (Ewertzon, Cronqvist, Lützén, & Andershed, 2012;Lukens, Thorning, & Lohrer, 2004), positive change has also been reported (Linley & Joseph, 2004;Sanders & Szymanski, 2013). This relates to the satisfaction of doing one's duty, bringing happiness to others, and strengthening family ties.…”