Experiences, Burdens, and Support Needs in Siblings of Girls and Women with Anorexia Nervosa: Results from a Qualitative Interview Study

Jungbauer, Johannes; Heibach, Jessica; Urban, Karl

doi:10.1007/s10615-015-0569-7

Cited by 10 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Additionally, siblings of individuals with EDs described various negative emotions. Feelings of fear and worry about the future were a recurring theme throughout many qualitative studies (25,28,31,32,43,47). In one study, 81% of siblings reported they were afraid their sister suffering from AN will never get better, and 43% were afraid she will die (37).…”

Section: Mental Health and Well-being Among Siblings Of Individuals Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In one study, 81% of siblings reported they were afraid their sister suffering from AN will never get better, and 43% were afraid she will die (37). Interviews indicated that the diagnosed siblings' negative behaviors, the inability to help and make them recognize their own disorders, and the feeling that they do not wish to get better have led to feelings of helplessness, sadness, and anger (25,31,42,43,47). Guilt was also a prominent emotion among non-ED siblings.…”

Section: Mental Health and Well-being Among Siblings Of Individuals Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Guilt was also a prominent emotion among non-ED siblings. Some felt responsible for the onset of the ED due to their past remarks or actions, some blamed themselves for not helping their siblings as much as they could, and for some the split loyalty, to their patents on one hand and to their siblings on the other, evoked a persistent sense of guilt (25,31,32,43,46). Moreover, in-depth interviews with non-ED siblings revealed a sense of grief and sacrifice, as well as a feeling they lost their family, their normal childhood, their good relationship with their sibling, and their individual identity (32,42,43).…”

Section: Mental Health and Well-being Among Siblings Of Individuals Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nevertheless, other studies indicated a higher inclination to sub-clinical levels of ED symptoms in non-ED siblings, with some studies reporting that 9.5-12% of siblings scored within the clinical range of EDs (23,36). In addition, there were studies in which non-ED siblings were found to have a higher level of dissatisfaction with their body as compared to controls (24), and experienced a negative impact of the disorder on their body image (43). In some qualitative studies non-ED siblings reported having issues with eating themselves, becoming more self-conscious of their eating habits, experimenting with different eating behaviors, and holding themselves to their siblings' standards regarding eating habits and body (25,32,37,43,47).…”

Section: Eating-related Behaviors and Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, there were studies in which non-ED siblings were found to have a higher level of dissatisfaction with their body as compared to controls (24), and experienced a negative impact of the disorder on their body image (43). In some qualitative studies non-ED siblings reported having issues with eating themselves, becoming more self-conscious of their eating habits, experimenting with different eating behaviors, and holding themselves to their siblings' standards regarding eating habits and body (25,32,37,43,47). Using computer simulation for perceived and desired body images, one study found that male siblings of ED patients perceived themselves as having more fat than muscle in comparison to controls (30).…”

Section: Eating-related Behaviors and Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Siblings of Individuals With Eating Disorders: A Review of the Literature

2020

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Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychopathologies characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating or eating-related behavior. Studies have shown EDs' detrimental consequences not only for patients, but also for their families. Nevertheless, a specific group that has so far been neglected, in both the research and clinical fields, are siblings of individuals with EDs. In an effort to identify this population's needs, and to facilitate effective prevention and treatment, this paper aims to review the existing literature on the subject, and examine siblings' personal experience, ways of coping, and levels of psychopathology. PubMed and PsycNet databases were searched with no publication date restrictions, yielding 26 relevant papers. Studies were categorized according to common themes they addressed, and subsequently summarized by highlighting common features, as well as information unique to each study. Several themes emerged, including emotional well-being, psychopathology, social consequences, family dynamics, and coping strategies. Results show that EDs experienced by one individual have significant effects on one's siblings, such as a decrease in quality of life, social isolation, and elevated familial strain. In several studies siblings were found to have elevated levels of psychopathology and EDs related symptoms. Nevertheless, findings' nature and magnitude were highly varied. The review indicates the need for further studies that will examine possible intra-and interpersonal moderating factors for EDs' impact on wellbeing among siblings, and take into consideration the substantial heterogeneity in studies conducted thus far. Additionally, this review highlights the need for novel and effective interventions, specifically targeting this at-risk group.

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Section: Mental Health and Well-being Among Siblings Of Individuals Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Mental Health and Well-being Among Siblings Of Individuals Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Mental Health and Well-being Among Siblings Of Individuals Wmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Eating-related Behaviors and Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Eating-related Behaviors and Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Siblings of Individuals With Eating Disorders: A Review of the Literature

2020

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The experiences of having a sibling with an eating disorder: A systematic review of the literature

Heneghan,

Manitsa,

Livanou

et al. 2023

Euro Eating Disorders Rev

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ObjectiveResearch on carers in the context of eating disorders (EDs) has predominantly focused on parents and offspring, overlooking the adverse effects EDs have on the lives of siblings. This study aims to shift the paradigm by reviewing the literature in this area. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first review of the literature that broadly captured the lived experiences of siblings without being limited by specific search terms such as coping strategies and levels of psychopathology.MethodSix databases (ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using predetermined search strings. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies were included as long as they were focused on siblings' experiences of having a brother or sister with an ED. No publication date restrictions were applied, and thorough quality assessments were initially carried out before a qualitative analysis of the data was conducted.ResultsTwenty‐one studies were eligible for inclusion, thematic synthesis yielded six core themes, and 17 subthemes related to the inter‐ and intrapersonal impacts of the ED on siblings' lives. These themes and sub‐themes include fragmentation in family relationships, parentification, and competition and jealousy.ConclusionIt is of utmost importance to gain a better understanding of siblings' experiences and needs in relation to EDs. The findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature and theoretical and clinical implications, for example, tailored approaches accounting for siblings' experiences.

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