Explaining Differences Between Sibling Relationships in Schizophrenia and Nonclinical Sibling Relationships

Abstract

Background: Good sibling relationships in adulthood are known to be a protective factor for mental health. The quality of these relationships is influence by the sibship's inherent characteristics (e.g., birth order, number of brothers and sisters, sex composition, age gaps). The present study explored whether these same determinants can help to explain how individuals experience their relationship with a sibling who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Method: A total of 374 adults completed the Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire, a scale that probes the quality of these relationships on three dimensions: warmth, conflict, and rivalry. We also collected sociodemographic data and information about family structure from each of the participants. Participants were divided into two matched groups: nonclinical sibling group (n = 187) or schizophrenia sibling group (n = 187). Regression analyses were conducted to extract possible predictors of sibling relationship quality for each group. Further regression analyses then focused exclusively on relationships with an ill sibling, in order to study the role of disease-related variables in explaining each of the three dimensions. Results: Results showed that sociodemographic and family structure data explained a significant proportion of variance in the sibling relationship, but solely for nonclinical siblings. When participants had a sibling with schizophrenia, we found that diseaserelated variables (symptom severity, frequency of treatment) also had to be included to predict the conflict dimension. Conclusions: Our results suggest that feelings of conflict experienced by the schizophrenia sibling group were fueled by the symptoms the ill person displayed. Healthy brothers and sisters probably have only a poor understanding of these symptoms. This could be improved by supporting them and helping them learn more about the disease. Future research will have to prove that providing such support for siblings does indeed improve the quality of their sibling relationships and, by so doing, enhance the wellbeing of both members of a sibling dyad.

Analysis of the early mother-child relationship in schizophrenic patients

“…Four themes were revealed from the interviews with the participants including ambivalent attachment to the mother, feelings of constant fear and worry, a sense of constant care for the mother, and the mother’s cold and emotionless relationship with the child. Plessis et al (2020) studied differences in sibling relationships in schizophrenic patients and found that parents always differentiated between their healthy and sick children in favor of their healthy children, thus inducing negative emotions in the sick child. In another study, Fountoulakis et al (2018) found that the age of the parents affects the formation of the relationship with the child, and an old age leads to ineffective parent-child relationship and the child always seeks constant care of his/her parent and the child feels that he/she is playing the role of a parent for his/her parents instead of a child (Fountoulakis et al, 2018).…”

The realities of problem‐solving for emerging‐adult siblings of individuals with schizophrenia

“…EAS experience substantial emotional burden and distress as a result of their experiences with their siblings with schizophrenia, including sorrow, burnout, shame, fear, and feelings of being neglected by their parents (Blasko, 2007). A recent study of EAS found that family conflict and hostility was often fueled by the severity of symptoms and the lack of information that led to faulty conclusions, such as the idea that their sibling could control their behavior and beliefs (Plessis et al, 2020).…”

The psychosocial stressors of siblings of people with experiences of psychosis (SOPEP): A systematic narrative review across cultures

“…Quantitative research and the literature exploring the experiences of SOPEP and their relationship are limited (Bowman et al, 2014;Plessis et al, 2020). Psychosis-related symptoms and behaviours observed by SOPEP have been associated with psychological distress for SOPEP and conflict in family relationships (Lively et al, 2004;Plessis et al, 2020). A history of exhibiting physical violence, aggression and suicidal behaviours in individuals with FEP resulted in higher caregiver burden and lower quality of life for siblings (Bowman et al, 2014(Bowman et al, , 2017.…”

“…In some cultures, SOPEP may be obligated to provide care for an ‘ ill ’ sibling and socialised to the caretaking role, as well as act as sources of support to their parents (Amaresha et al, 2014; Bowman et al, 2017). Quantitative research and the literature exploring the experiences of SOPEP and their relationship are limited (Bowman et al, 2014; Plessis et al, 2020). Psychosis‐related symptoms and behaviours observed by SOPEP have been associated with psychological distress for SOPEP and conflict in family relationships (Lively et al, 2004; Plessis et al, 2020).…”